NASA’s SPHEREx space telescope has launched into space, starting its scientific mission after its March 11 launch. The observatory captured its first images from space, showcasing its infrared observation capabilities. Although these early images were taken with uncalibrated detectors, they confirm the instrument’s readiness.
SPHEREx is designed to study key questions in cosmology and astrophysics. Its main goals include examining water ice distribution, galaxy formation, and the early universe state. The telescope captures infrared images, which are not visible to the human eye. Researchers use color mapping techniques to make these images viewable.
Unlike telescopes like Hubble or James Webb Space Telescope, SPHEREx is built for full-sky surveys. During its two-year mission, it will scan the entire sky four times, capturing hundreds of millions of cosmic objects. The telescope’s six detectors capture data in 17 wavelength bands per image, totaling 102 spectral bands.
The first images taken by SPHEREx demonstrate its optical systems are functioning as planned. Pre-launch adjustments to the telescope’s focus were successful, allowing it to detect faint, distant sources. These findings will aid in gathering data on galaxies and cosmic phenomena from the early universe.
SPHEREx is operated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech, with contributions from institutions in the US, South Korea, and Taiwan. As it continues routine operations, the telescope will collect around 600 exposures daily. Its wide-field data will complement targeted observations from narrow-field missions, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the universe’s history and composition.
Source: https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/james-webb-killer-nasas-spherex-telescope-opens-its-lens-for-the-first-time-begins-operation-in-space-8926018