NASA successfully launched the SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) telescope from California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The space telescope will go on a large-scale survey of the sky to study the birth of the universe and hunt for evidence of water in the Milky Way galaxy. Astronomers seek data that will provide us with information regarding the universe’s origins and about hidden reservoirs of water, which is vital for potential life.
The telescope will be working for two years, mapping infrared to create a three-dimensional map of the universe. SPHEREx will observe 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars, tracking light in 102 wavelengths. Researchers will learn more about how the universe began to move and how galaxies changed as time passed by analyzing this information. The telescope is also tracking molecular clouds in which stars are born, looking for evidence of water and other chemicals.
SPHEREx will have the capability to survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths and thus complement other space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope. Data to be gathered will give a more detailed insight into activities in the universe, and scientists will have data regarding conditions behind the creation of planets. Future astronomy missions will be assisted by the present mission through identifying significant areas for observation.
As part of the mission, the launch also had four small satellites aboard as NASA’s PUNCH mission. The satellites will study where the solar wind is produced and how it influences space weather. The information collected will contribute to better predicting solar activity and its effect on Earth’s atmosphere and technology.
NASA’s newest mission is one step closer to learning more about the universe’s past and how the necessary ingredients are spread throughout the vastness of space. With the study of astronomy ongoing, SPHEREx will be providing invaluable data that will be used in future space exploration.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/