NASA’s Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) space observatory is set to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, offering a groundbreaking view of the cosmos. Here are six key facts about the mission:
1. **Unveiling Cosmic Inflation**: SPHEREx will study inflation, a phenomenon that occurred 14 billion years ago and still affects the universe’s large-scale structure today.
2. **Mapping Galaxies’ Collective Glow**: The observatory will measure the total light output from galaxies across the universe, including those too small or distant for other telescopes to detect.
3. **Searching for Life’s Building Blocks**: SPHEREx aims to find essential molecules like water and carbon dioxide in interstellar clouds, crucial for life’s origins.
4. **Complementing NASA’s Space Telescope Fleet**: The mission will provide maps of the entire sky, complementing existing space telescopes like Hubble and Webb.
5. **The Most Colorful All-Sky Map Ever**: SPHEREx will create a colorful map by analyzing infrared light from galaxies, enabling scientists to detect chemical compounds and study cosmic objects in unprecedented detail.
6. **Innovative Cooling System**: The spacecraft’s cone-shaped design allows it to stay cold, protecting its sensitive instruments while simplifying operations.
The SPHEREx space observatory is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and will provide a wealth of scientific data for researchers worldwide.
Source: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/6-things-to-know-about-spherex-nasas-newest-space-telescope