NASA's SPHEREx space telescope begins mapping entire sky

 



NASA's Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer—better known as SPHEREx—has officially begun its ambitious mission to map the entire sky in unprecedented detail. Scheduled for launch in 2025, SPHEREx is a space-based observatory designed to conduct an all-sky survey in near-infrared light, offering a unique and comprehensive look into the cosmos.

SPHEREx's primary objective is to create a detailed spectral map of the sky by measuring light at 96 different wavelengths. This data will allow scientists to tackle some of the most profound questions in astrophysics, including how the universe evolved, how galaxies formed, and where life-essential elements like water and organic molecules are distributed across our galaxy.

One of SPHEREx's most exciting goals is to explore the "cosmic dawn"—the era when the first stars and galaxies formed. By analyzing light that has traveled for billions of years, SPHEREx can study the conditions of the early universe and shed light on the mysterious force known as inflation, which is believed to have caused a rapid expansion of the universe just fractions of a second after the Big Bang.

In addition to cosmology, SPHEREx will significantly enhance our understanding of the Milky Way. It will survey the distribution of water ice and complex organic molecules in regions where stars and planetary systems are forming. This data is essential for understanding the chemical ingredients available during planet formation and assessing the potential for life elsewhere in the galaxy.

SPHEREx’s wide field of view and spectral sensitivity will enable it to observe hundreds of millions of galaxies and over 100 million stars in the Milky Way. By combining this vast dataset with observations from other missions like the James Webb Space Telescope and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, astronomers will gain deeper insights into the structure and evolution of the universe.



With its ability to scan the entire sky every six months, SPHEREx represents a major step forward in astronomical surveys. It promises to be a transformative mission, unlocking cosmic secrets and fueling discoveries for decades to come.







#NASA #SPHEREx #SpaceTelescope #Astrophysics #AllSkySurvey #CosmicExploration #InfraredAstronomy #UniverseMapping #CosmicDawn #GalacticScience #SpaceScience #NASAExploration #SpaceTechnology #MilkyWayMapping #AstronomyNews #DeepSpace #JamesWebb #FutureOfAstronomy #BigBangTheory #OriginsOfTheUniverse #SpectralMapping #CelestialSurvey #PlanetaryFormation #SearchForLife #SpaceMissions #AstronomyLovers
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