SPHEREx Sky Mapping Mission Begins
NASA's SPHEREx space telescope has commenced its ambitious mission to map the entire sky. Launched in early March, the telescope has completed its initial setup and system checks, and begun its observational phase. This innovative instrument will capture a staggering 3,600 images daily, observing the cosmos across an unprecedented 102 wavelengths of infrared light.
Unprecedented Detail and Scope
Over approximately two years, SPHEREx will complete a comprehensive survey, creating four all-sky maps. Its unique orbital path, involving a north-south orbit over the poles, allows for a systematic scan of the celestial sphere. The telescope's daily circular strip imaging, combined with Earth's movement around the Sun, guarantees full sky coverage within the six-month timeframe. This unparalleled detail will provide researchers with an unprecedented view of the universe.
Scientific Goals
The scientific objectives of this mission are far-reaching. SPHEREx data will be crucial in studying the universe's expansion immediately after the Big Bang, providing insights into the very early universe. Furthermore, the telescope's observations will aid the search for the building blocks of life beyond Earth, within our own Milky Way galaxy. The sheer scale of this project promises to revolutionize our understanding of both cosmology and astrobiology.
Source: Engadget