SPHEREx Observatory

SPHEREx Observatory: NASA's SPHEREx observatory was launched to map the entire sky in infrared, aiming to explain galaxy formation and the universe's expansion from the Big Bang.

• About SPHEREx Observatory:

oFull Form: Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx).

oShape: Megaphone-shaped telescope.

oTenure: 2 years with plans to complete four full-sky surveys.

oLaunch: SpaceX launched SPHEREx from California, along with four satellites to study the Sun.

• Aims of SPHEREx:

oMapping: Map the universe while detecting optical and infrared light.

oCosmic Inflation: Measure cosmic inflation, a period around 14 billion years ago when the universe expanded faster than light.

oUnderstanding Universe: Study the formation of the universe, growth of galaxies, and search for water and life-forming molecules in the Milky Way.

o3D Galaxy Mapping: Use spectroscopic images to measure the 3D positions of about 450 million galaxies.

oComplement Other Telescopes: Support the work of other infrared telescopes like the James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes.