SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) is a NASA space mission designed to map the entire sky in 102 colors in the near-infrared. This groundbreaking mission will help answer fundamental questions about the origin of the universe, galaxy formation, and the key ingredients for life.
A Unique Approach
What sets SPHEREx apart from other space telescopes is its ability to conduct an all-sky spectral mapping, a first for telescopes in the near-infrared. This will allow for unprecedented data collection and the identification of regions of interest for future studies.
Cosmic Inflation and SPHEREx
Cosmic inflation is a period of extremely rapid expansion of the universe that occurred in the very first moments after the Big Bang. SPHEREx will contribute to our understanding of this phenomenon by mapping the three-dimensional distribution of over 450 million galaxies, providing crucial insights into the physics underlying inflation.
The Light of Galaxies
SPHEREx will measure the total light emitted by all galaxies, including those too faint or distant to be easily detected by other telescopes. This will help scientists gain a complete picture of the distribution of luminous sources in the universe and improve models of galaxy formation and evolution.
Searching for Essential Molecules
One of SPHEREx’s main objectives is the search for molecules like water and carbon dioxide, present in interstellar clouds within the Milky Way. These life-essential molecules will be studied in regions where stars and planets are born, contributing to our understanding of the chemical conditions that favor planetary system formation.
The Role of Spectroscopy
SPHEREx will use spectroscopy to separate light into its component colors, much like a prism creating a rainbow from sunlight. This technique will enable the determination of the distance of cosmic objects and the analysis of their chemical composition, both crucial for the mission's scientific goals.
An Innovative Cooling System
SPHEREx’s telescope employs a passive cooling system that does not require electricity or refrigerants. Using conical thermal shields and a mirror structure, the telescope remains at a temperature of approximately -210 degrees Celsius, minimizing thermal noise and ensuring precise infrared observations.
Mapping in 102 Colors
SPHEREx will map the entire sky in 102 different color bands, a significant improvement over previous celestial maps. This advanced spectral resolution will allow for better differentiation of the composition and distance of cosmic objects, offering a more detailed view of the universe.
Studying the Origin of Water
SPHEREx will investigate the origin of water in space by searching for ice water and other frozen compounds on the surfaces of interstellar dust grains. By measuring the abundance of these molecules, scientists can better understand the processes leading to planet formation and the potential habitability of other worlds.
Mission Partners and Collaborations
SPHEREx is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The telescope and spacecraft bus were built by BAE Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace), while data processing and storage will be handled by IPAC at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The scientific team includes researchers from the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Synergies with Other Telescopes
SPHEREx will work in synergy with other space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). If SPHEREx identifies an area of particular interest, JWST can conduct more detailed observations at different wavelengths, expanding our understanding of the cosmos.
Conclusion
With its innovative all-sky spectral mapping, SPHEREx will open new perspectives on the formation of the universe, galaxies, and essential ingredients for life. This mission represents a crucial step toward answering some of the most profound questions about the origin and evolution of our cosmos.
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