New spectra, obtained with the SPIRE, PACS and HIFI instruments of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Herschel Space Observatory during the performance verification phase, have been released by ESA and the instrument teams. Taken together with earlier images the observatory is now on the way to demonstrating that the promised imaging and spectroscopic capabilities are being met.

Herschel was launched in May 2009 and early reports on the mission focussed on stunning images from the two cameras onboard. Now, the three Herschel spectrometers take centre stage, as new spectra are released. These spectra, obtained with the SPIRE Fourier Transform Spectrometer, the PACS integral field ­spectrometer and the HIFI heterodyne instrument touch on a number of key science goals for the mission and are an early demonstration of the capabilities of the observatory.

A broad spectrum of objects has been observed, including comets, massive stars, star-forming regions, and a variety of galaxies. Fabulously detailed spectra reveal forests of emission lines and signatures of elements, some detected for the first time.

Since launch, the Herschel Space Observatory has been subject to a rigorous series of tests and preparatory activities leading to a fully operational observatory. Early emphasis was placed on performing observations with the SPIRE and PACS imaging photometers as this also provided the opportunity to test the optics and pointing characteristics of the telescope. With the confirmation provided by these observations of the excellent quality of the Herschel telescope, the way was cleared to include all three spectrometers in the regular operations planning.

The SPIRE and PACS instruments are now nearing the end of the science demonstration phase and will soon be entering routine operations phase.

During the performance verification phase the HIFI instrument suffered a setback which required it to be put into temporary hibernation while the nature of the problem was investigated and a solution found. A plan of action leading to HIFI full operations in January has been provisionally agreed.

Results from the science demonstration phase will be presented to the community at a dedicated workshop to be held at the European Space Astronomy Centre, Spain, from 17 to 18 December 2009. A symposium dedicated to the first science results from Herschel will be held the European Space Research and Technology Centre, in the Netherlands, from 3 to 7 May 2010.

For more information, contact Göran Pilbratt, Herschel Project Scientist, Research and Scientific Support Department, Science and Robotic Exploration Directorate, ESA, The Netherlands. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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