NASA has successfully launched the SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) space telescope, marking a significant advancement in our quest to understand the cosmos. The mission aims to create a comprehensive 3D map of the universe, shedding light on the formation and evolution of galaxies, as well as the rapid expansion that occurred after the Big Bang.
SPHEREx is designed to survey the entire sky in optical and near-infrared light, capturing data from over 450 million galaxies and more than 100 million stars within the Milky Way. This extensive survey will be conducted over a planned two-year mission, with the telescope distinguishing 102 different colors invisible to the human eye.
One of the mission’s primary objectives is to investigate cosmic inflation—the rapid expansion of the universe that occurred fractions of a second after the Big Bang. By studying the distribution of galaxies across vast distances, SPHEREx aims to provide insights into this pivotal event in cosmic history.
In addition to exploring the universe’s origins, SPHEREx will search for water and organic molecules—key ingredients for life—in regions where stars are born within our galaxy. This endeavor could enhance our understanding of the potential for life elsewhere in the cosmos.
The telescope was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Weighing approximately 1,110 pounds (500 kilograms), SPHEREx will map the sky every six months, providing a panoramic view that complements the detailed observations of other NASA telescopes like Hubble and Webb.
Accompanying SPHEREx on this mission are four smaller satellites comprising the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission. These satellites will study the Sun’s outer atmosphere and the solar wind, enhancing our ability to predict space weather events that can impact Earth. nasa.gov
The successful deployment of SPHEREx represents a monumental step in astrophysics, promising to deepen our understanding of the universe’s inception, the formation of galaxies, and the potential for life beyond our planet.
For a visual overview of the launch, you can watch the official NASA broadcast below:
