Sneak-preview image of the Herschel space observatory

Herschel opened its 'eyes' on 14 June and the Photoconductor Array Camera and Spectrometer obtained images of M51, ‘the whirlpool galaxy’ for a first test observation. Scientists obtained images in three colours which clearly demonstrate the superiority of Herschel, the largest infrared space telescope ever flown. The PACS bolometer array has been designed, assembled and tested at CEA Saclay.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM76A0P0WF_ind ...