Supernova/Acceleration Probe

SNAP ( Supernova / Acceleration Probe ) is a concept for a satellite-based project for the study of dark energy in the universe.

With SNAP, the number of observed supernovae to be increased to about 2000 per year. This great number can determine the expansion of the universe in more detail, because with the help of these explosions ( supernovae of type Ia) distances are measured in space. Also, the distribution is detected, so that one can draw conclusions about the emergence phase of the universe with the help of the distance.

Furthermore, are recorded and mapped gravitational lenses. With the help of these lenses can be seen magnified objects far distant. Furthermore, their distribution tells us something about the inflation of the universe.

The SNAP telescope should be distinguished by an extremely wide viewing angle of more than one square degree and the detector light in the map to about 0.7 · 109 pixels near infrared and visible range. It is used to sample approximately 7.5 square degrees in a 4 - day cycle and to detect supernovae up to a redshift of 1.7, which can be measured more accurately by an integrated spectrometer.

SNAP was used as part of the Joint Dark Energy Mission, a collaboration between NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy. If SNAP are selected, that would start before 2020Vorlage: Future / take place in five years.