Produced by: Manoj Kumar
The SPHEREx space telescope will study inflation, the rapid expansion of the universe after the Big Bang. By mapping 450 million galaxies, it will help scientists uncover the physics behind this ancient event.
Instead of observing individual galaxies, SPHEREx will measure the collective light from all galaxies—past and present. This data will help scientists understand the total energy output of the universe.
Credit : NASA
Water and carbon dioxide, essential for life, will be traced across interstellar clouds. SPHEREx will map these icy compounds, revealing where they exist and how they contribute to planet formation.
Credit : NASA
Unlike Hubble and Webb, which focus on detailed views of celestial objects, SPHEREx will create a vast all-sky map. Its findings will guide other telescopes to investigate specific regions in greater detail.
Credit : NASA
SPHEREx will generate the most colorful map of the cosmos ever created. By analyzing infrared light, it will detect chemical signatures of distant galaxies, measuring their distances and compositions.
Credit : NASA
Using spectroscopy, SPHEREx will chart the locations of hundreds of millions of galaxies in three dimensions. This will help scientists track how cosmic inflation influenced the large-scale structure of the universe.
To detect faint infrared light, SPHEREx must remain at -350°F (-210°C). A unique passive cooling system, using cone-shaped photon shields, keeps the telescope cold without requiring electricity or coolants.
Credit : NASA
The spacecraft’s mirrored structure directs excess heat away from its instruments, ensuring clear infrared observations. This efficient design allows SPHEREx to operate without additional power-consuming cooling systems.
Credit : NASA
Expected to launch on February 27, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, SPHEREx promises to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos by capturing the biggest picture of the universe yet.
Credit : NASA