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The mission of the Wide-Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE) is to discover how galaxies change through time -- galaxy evolution -- and to detect the birth of new galaxies, called proto-galaxies. Understanding how, and how fast, galaxies evolve and form are some of the most important issues in modern astronomy today. Within weeks of the launch of the WIRE spacecraft into low Earth orbit, this small telescope will detect tens of thousands of starburst galaxies -- galaxies where stars are forming at a much higher rate than usual -- as well as an unknown number of proto-galaxies. The IPAC engineering staff and computer facilities will support principal investigator Dr. Perry Hacking and WIRE co-investigators in analyzing and distributing these important new data describing how our Universe has changed over time. WIRE is a small, focussed and fast-paced mission. Recent advances in detector technology will enable WIRE to make a major contribution to astrophysics despite its small size and modest pricetag. The telescope has a 12" mirror and no moving parts -- the entire instrument could easily fit in the backseat of a small car. WIRE is part of NASA's Small Explorer Program. Launch is scheduled for March 1999.
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