In the quest to unravel the secrets of space, scientists face challenges in studying celestial phenomena like star explosions and X-rays emanating from black holes. Traditional telescopes fall short in capturing these elusive X-rays, prompting the development of specialized tools such as X-ray telescopes. Interestingly, inspiration for this technology emerged from an unexpected source – the lobster, a water creature known for its unique vision capabilities in the depths of the sea.
X-rays, emitted from celestial bodies during events like star collisions or explosions, play a crucial role in providing insights into the origin and expansion of the universe. Unlike visible light, these X-rays cannot be effectively studied using conventional telescopes, necessitating the creation of specialized instruments.
The lobster, residing in the darkness of the sea at depths of 2300 feet, possesses remarkable eyesight adapted to its environment. Despite the absence of sunlight, the lobster's eyes rely on reflection, featuring 10,000 square-shaped tubes in each eye that direct light to the retina. Notably, these eyes enable the lobster to see an expansive 180-degree field of view, surpassing the 120-degree range of human vision.
Recognizing the unique qualities of the lobster's eyes, scientists drew inspiration to construct an X-ray telescope modelled after this aquatic creature. By harnessing the lobster's vision capabilities, scientists aim to enhance their ability to study X-rays from distant celestial bodies, opening new avenues for understanding the mysteries of space.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel