# **NASA’s SPHEREx Mission: Charting the Universe in Infrared**
NASA has introduced an innovative space observatory, **SPHEREx** (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer), aimed at producing a unique **three-dimensional representation of the complete night sky**. This infrared telescope, successfully launched on a **SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket** from **Vandenberg Space Force Base in California**, seeks to explore critical inquiries regarding the Universe’s origins, galaxy formation, and the potential conditions for life beyond our planet.
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## **An Exceptional Space Telescope**
In contrast to other space telescopes, **SPHEREx** is intended to scan the whole sky instead of concentrating on limited areas. It will undertake a survey of the universe in **102 infrared wavelengths**, which are not perceivable by the human eye, across a **two-year mission period**. The information gathered will shed light on:
– The **chemical makeup** of asteroids.
– The **formation of far-off galaxies**.
– The **development of stars and planetary systems**.
### **Operational Mechanism of SPHEREx**
SPHEREx utilizes **linear variable filter spectroscopy**, a method enabling it to gather **102 distinct sky maps** biannually. Over the span of two years, it will carry out **four comprehensive sky surveys**, generating an extensive database for astronomers.
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## **Mission Goals: Addressing Cosmic Queries**
SPHEREx represents a **$488 million mission** aimed at exploring three essential astrophysical questions:
1. **What initiated the Universe?**
– SPHEREx will investigate the **inflationary model**, which posits that the Universe underwent exponential expansion immediately after the **Big Bang**.
2. **How did galaxies come into being and change over time?**
– The telescope will chart the **cosmic web**, the grand structure of the Universe influenced by **dark matter and gravitational forces**.
3. **What are the requirements for life beyond Earth?**
– SPHEREx will examine **water and organic compounds** in **regions where stars are forming**, aiding scientists in understanding how conditions suitable for life arise.
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## **A Compact Yet Potent Observatory**
SPHEREx measures **roughly the dimensions of a subcompact vehicle**, making it significantly smaller than flagship observatories like the **James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)**. While JWST features a **6.5-meter mirror**, SPHEREx utilizes a **20-centimeter mirror**, akin to a **backyard telescope**. Nonetheless, its **broad field of view** allows it to survey the entire sky, distinguishing it from JWST, which concentrates on limited areas.
### **Revolutionary Cooling System**
Infrared telescopes necessitate extremely low temperatures to pick up weak cosmic signals. Rather than relying on **cryogenic coolant**, which has a finite lifespan, SPHEREx utilizes a **passive cooling mechanism** with **three concentric photon shields**. This **low-maintenance configuration** guarantees that the telescope remains functional for an extended duration.
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## **Investigating the Early Universe**
SPHEREx will assist researchers in comprehending the **cosmic dawn**, the epoch when the first stars and galaxies emerged. By studying the **cosmic infrared background**, it will compile a **catalog of all galaxies** throughout time.
### **Evaluating the Inflation Theory**
The **inflationary model** asserts that the Universe experienced a **trillion-trillion-fold growth** in a mere moment following the Big Bang. SPHEREx aims to map **hundreds of millions of galaxies** to validate this hypothesis, aiding scientists in grasping the **origins of cosmic formations**.
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## **Exploring Our Galaxy and Beyond**
SPHEREx will further explore the **Milky Way**, charting **water and ice** within **molecular clouds**, the nurseries of stars and planets. This inquiry may uncover how **water reached Earth** and whether analogous situations exist in **other planetary systems**.
### **Identifying Water in Space**
SPHEREx plans to survey **over 9 million sites** in our galaxy, assessing water and ice presence in **star-forming regions**. This information will aid scientists in understanding how **prevalent water is in the Universe**, a crucial component in the quest for **habitable worlds**.
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## **A Dual Mission: SPHEREx and PUNCH**
NASA optimized efficiency by launching **two missions simultaneously** on the same rocket. In conjunction with SPHEREx, the **PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere)** mission was also deployed. PUNCH comprises **four small satellites** dedicated to examining the **solar corona** and **solar wind**, which have impacts on space weather and Earth’s magnetic field.
### **Budget-Friendly Space Exploration**
By sharing a launch, NASA achieved an estimated savings of **$15 million**, showcasing a **novel approach** to enhance scientific returns while curbing expenses.
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## **The Future of SPHEREx**
SPHEREx’s **all-sky survey** will produce
