Scientists are preparing to unlock the biggest mysteries of outer space, from invisible cosmic forces to the search for alien life. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a powerful new instrument designed to explore parts of the universe we have never been able to see clearly before.
About 95% of the universe is made of dark matter and dark energy, but scientists still do not know what they actually are. Dark matter acts like invisible glue that holds galaxies together, while dark energy is a force pushing the universe apart. By mapping billions of galaxies across time, the Roman telescope will help researchers build detailed cosmic maps to see how these forces change over billions of years.
The telescope will also look closely at distant planets outside our solar system, known as exoplanets. Scientists hope to study the atmospheres of these far-off worlds to answer one of humanity's biggest questions: could any of them support life? By peeling back layers of cosmic history, the mission aims to transform our understanding of the universe.