more orbiting telescopes!

if you enjoyed watching the recent shuttle launch, today you have the opportunity to watch more space telescopes set off for orbit! today the european space agency launches both the planck and hershel telescopes aboard the ariane 5 unmanned rocket.


hershel is an infrared telescope that will look at cool objects around the universe, while planck will view the universe at microwave wavelengths, seeking to study the relics of the big bang.

of course, you can follow either planck or hershel on twitter, watch the launch live from ESA, or read along as orbiting frog live-blogs the event.

launch is scheduled for 13:12 UT, may 14th, 2009.
enjoy!