On the hunt for dark matter – International Space Station Kibo to be equipped with new observation device
Thu, Jul 16, 2015-
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A international research group between Japan, the US, and Italy (represented by Professor Shoji Torii from the Faculty of Science and Engineering), and supported by the Japan Aerospace Exploration (JAXA) and Waseda University has been developing a device known as CALET (Calorimetric Electron Telescope) to help uncover the mysteries of the universe.
On August 16, CALET will be carried to the Kibo International Space Station on the Konotori 5 supply craft and be installed on the outboard experimental platform where it will carry out observations for five years.
The research group is hoping to use CALET to visualize cosmic rays and space particles, and be the first in the world to precisely measure high-energy cosmic rays. Observation of particle acceleration and dark matter destruction resulting from supernova explosions will bring us closer to understanding dark matter and uncovering the mysteries of the universe. Future observations may provide us with huge hints as to how the Milky Way and our universe came to be.
“Even if there are no significant discoveries, the new observations will allow us to better understand previously established theories. I am really excited to see what data comes from these observations,” said Professor Torii.
Professor Shoji Torii with a detector from inside the CALET
