Source: DD News
Context: NASA’s SPHEREx space telescope is set to launch, aiming to explore the origins of the universe and search for water and organic molecules in the Milky Way.
- This mission will create a 3D map of the cosmos, providing insights into cosmic inflation and the formation of galaxies.
About SPHEREx Space Telescope:
- What is SPHEREx?
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- Full Form: Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer.
- Mission Type: Space telescope designed to survey the sky in optical and near-infrared light.
- Duration: A two-year mission to map the universe and study its origins.
- Launched By:
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- Agency: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
- Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9.
- Aim of SPHEREx:
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- Study Cosmic Inflation: Investigate the rapid expansion of the universe after the Big Bang.
- Map Galaxies: Survey over 450 million galaxies to understand their distribution and evolution.
- Search for Water and Organic Molecules: Identify reservoirs of water and life-essential molecules in the Milky Way.
- Create a 3D Cosmic Map: Develop a detailed map of the universe in 102 color bands.
- Key Features:
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- Advanced Technology: Uses near-infrared light to observe objects invisible to the human eye.
- All-Sky Survey: Will map the entire sky every six months.
- High-Resolution Data: Provides data in 102 color bands, surpassing previous all-sky maps.
- Target Identification: Will identify objects for further study by missions like the James Webb Space Telescope.
- Significance:
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- Insight into Cosmic Inflation: Helps scientists understand the universe’s exponential expansion after the Big Bang.
- Search for Life’s Building Blocks: Detects water and organic molecules in star-forming regions and planetary systems.
- Foundation for Future Missions: Provides data to guide upcoming space exploration projects.
- Global Collaboration: Involves international partners like the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.
