NASA is set to launch its new $488 million space telescope, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer), which will study the entire sky in unprecedented detail. The mission aims to answer fundamental questions about the origin of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the presence of life beyond Earth.
The telescope is designed to capture a big-picture view of the cosmos, gathering data on millions of stars and galaxies across 100 infrared colors. Its key science goal is to pinpoint the locations of molecules that are essential for life, such as water and other organic compounds. By studying these molecules in vast regions of gas and dust known as molecular clouds, scientists hope to gain insights into how life originated.
SPHEREx will also explore the distribution and chemistry of interstellar dust, a crucial component of our universe. Unlike previous observations, which have viewed interstellar dust as a nuisance, this mission aims to reveal its true importance by mapping the entire sky four times over two years. This will allow scientists to detect subtle signatures that can be traced back to the very first moments of the universe.
In addition, SPHEREx will study cosmic inflation, a phenomenon that occurred in the early stages of the universe’s expansion. By mapping 450 million galaxies, the telescope will reveal ripples and imprints from this event, providing valuable insights into the universe’s origins.
The launch comes as scientists eagerly anticipate new discoveries and improvements to our understanding of the universe. With its grand ambitions and modest size, SPHEREx is poised to make a significant impact in the field of astronomy.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/from-interstellar-dust-to-life-beyond-earth-why-scientists-cant-wait-nasas-new-spherex-space-telescope