NASA’s new SPHEREx space telescope has taken its first cosmic images, marking a significant milestone in the observatory’s journey. The instrument team successfully tested all of the spacecraft’s systems, and initial results show promising signs.
The six panels above each represent a different detector on the telescope, which spans a rectangular area about 20 times wider than the full moon. Each detector can uncover information in 17 unique wavelength bands, allowing SPHEREx to study the universe in 102 bands altogether.
According to NASA, the detectors have successfully turned on and focused, although they are still undergoing the process of cooling down to ensure accurate infrared measurements. Cooling is crucial because excessive heat can interfere with the telescope’s ability to detect infrared signatures, which are akin to heat signatures used by firefighters to locate fires.
The first light images from SPHEREx showcase the telescope’s capabilities and provide valuable insights into its performance. While not yet at full capacity, these initial results demonstrate that SPHEREx is on track to deliver groundbreaking astronomical discoveries in the coming months.
As part of routine science operations starting late April, SPHEREx will take approximately 600 exposures every day, further solidifying its position as a significant addition to NASA’s observational arsenal.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/nasas-new-spherex-space-telescope-takes-its-1st-cosmic-images-the-instrument-team-nailed-it