Here are five key details about the groundbreaking SPHEREx mission, featuring an overview and its launch schedule.
What is NASA’s SPHEREx mission?
SPHEREx, short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, aims to delve into the origins of the universe. In a mission managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the telescope will survey the entire celestial sky in a spectrum of 102 infrared hues. This comprehensive mapping will not only illuminate our Milky Way galaxy but also approximately 450 million other galaxies and stars, some of which are so remote that their light has traveled for 10 billion years to reach Earth. By observing the known universe through near-infrared light, SPHEREx is poised to unravel longstanding astronomical enigmas, shedding light on the early physics governing the universe shortly after its inception. Additionally, the mission will search the Milky Way for indications of water, essential for sustaining life.
When is the mission launching from California?
SPHEREx is scheduled for liftoff at 10:09 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 2, via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Launch details are subject to change and can be found here.
How can I watch the SPHEREx launch?
Coverage of the launch will commence on NASA+ at 9:15 p.m., the space agency’s new streaming service. Updates will also be available on NASA’s SPHEREx blog.
What is the SPHEREx telescope?
The SPHEREx space telescope, positioned on a work stand at the Astrotech Processing Facility in Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, is akin to the size of a typical backyard storage shed, standing at 8½ feet tall. Its innovative design features three cone-shaped layers of photon shields, allowing it to function at frigid temperatures of minus 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This setup shields the spacecraft from the Earth’s and the sun’s heat, preventing it from emitting its own infrared light that could hinder its ability to detect faint light signals.
In essence, the SPHEREx mission is poised for a remarkable journey of discovery, aiming to unveil the secrets of the universe and potentially redefine our understanding of cosmic origins.
The SPHEREx telescope is designed to study cosmic sources. It features a mirrored structure beneath the photon shields that can redirect heat into space, allowing the instrument to maintain a cold temperature. Unlike traditional cooling systems, SPHEREx utilizes a passive cooling method that does not require electricity or coolants during operation.
In comparison to the Hubble and James Webb telescopes, SPHEREx offers a unique approach. NASA views SPHEREx as a valuable addition to its existing fleet of space telescopes, enhancing the capabilities of renowned telescopes like the Hubble and the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope.
The James Webb Space Telescope, with its gold-coated mirror and advanced infrared instruments, surpasses the abilities of the Hubble telescope. Positioned in orbit around the sun, the Webb telescope provides a new perspective on observing the cosmos compared to the Earth-orbiting Hubble. While Hubble and Webb excel at detailed observations of small areas, NASA acknowledges the importance of viewing the broader cosmic picture.
SPHEREx aims to bridge this gap by offering a wider view of the galaxy, identifying objects of scientific interest for further study by telescopes like the Hubble and Webb. This coordinated approach promises a more comprehensive understanding of the universe. By leveraging the strengths of each telescope, scientists can gain valuable insights into cosmic mysteries.
Gary Melnick, an astronomer involved in the SPHEREx science team, highlights the potential collaboration between SPHEREx and Webb. If SPHEREx uncovers intriguing locations, Webb can delve deeper with enhanced spectral resolving power and detect wavelengths beyond SPHEREx’s capabilities. This partnership between the two telescopes could significantly advance scientific research.
*This article was updated to include new information.*
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Contact him at elagatta@gannett.com.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: “SPHEREx telescope to join Webb, Hubble in answering cosmic mysteries.”
