Exploring the Cosmos: NASA’s SPHEREx Mission Launching in 2023
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Chapter 1: Introduction to SPHEREx
NASA has announced the launch of the SPHEREx mission, aimed at surveying the entire sky using infrared light, which is set to commence in 2023. This innovative space telescope will investigate the Universe not only in visible light but also in infrared, revealing data that is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the cosmos.
The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) is designed to examine over 100 million stars within the Milky Way and explore 300 million galaxies beyond our own. By mapping the entire sky across 96 distinct color bands, it will provide an unprecedented view of the universe.
“This remarkable mission will be a goldmine of unique information for astronomers. It will yield a groundbreaking galactic map that captures ‘fingerprints’ from the universe's formative moments. Additionally, we will gain insights into one of science's greatest enigmas: What triggered the universe's rapid expansion less than a nanosecond after the big bang?” stated Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Section 1.1: Understanding Infrared Light
An artistic representation of SPHEREx orbiting in space, examining the cosmos. Image credit: Caltech
Infrared light is emitted from most heat sources. This type of electromagnetic radiation is utilized in heat lamps to keep food warm and can be felt from a campfire on a chilly evening. The wavelength of infrared light is slightly longer than that of red, which is the longest visible color. Near-infrared bands lie at the point where visible light transitions into invisibility. These frequencies are commonly used in remote controls, such as those for televisions. While this form of electromagnetic radiation remains invisible to the naked eye, it is not sufficiently short to produce heat sensations. However, our atmosphere blocks much infrared light, necessitating the placement of infrared telescopes in space.
Section 1.2: SPHEREx's Scientific Goals
SPHEREx is set to observe hundreds of millions of galaxies during its operational lifespan, many of which date back over 10 billion years. In addition to distant galaxies, the spacecraft will investigate dusty rings surrounding distant stars where planets are forming, as well as search for water in nebulae where new stars emerge. Weighing 74.5 kilograms (165 pounds), the observatory will map the entire sky every six months.
“SPHEREx has three primary scientific objectives: First, it will analyze the physics of the early universe, a phase known as ‘inflation,’ during which the universe underwent an incredibly rapid expansion. Second, it will measure the light intensity emitted by galaxies over cosmic time, enhancing our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution. Lastly, in our own Milky Way, it will search for water and organic molecules, which are vital for life as we know it,” explains Tim Eifler of Steward Observatory, a member of the mission's science team.
Chapter 2: Mission Overview
The SPHEREx mission, with a budget of $242 million, was chosen from nine proposals submitted to NASA as part of the Astrophysics Explorers Program. This program aims to develop spacecraft designs that can yield significant scientific discoveries for under $250 million. Throughout its extensive history, the program has successfully launched over 90 missions, including Explorer 1 in 1958 and the Cosmic Background Explorer. Observations from the latter, which launched in 1989, earned a Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking findings.
Discover how NASA's SPHEREx mission will map the infrared universe and its significance for understanding cosmic history.
The spacecraft operates without moving parts, as the sun shield and aperture cover are deployed post-launch. With the capability to view over 11 degrees of sky simultaneously—an area equivalent to 22 full moons side by side—this wide field of view will significantly expedite the mapping process. Engineers aim to chart all visible celestial objects four times during the anticipated two-year mission.
SPHEREx is also expected to identify new targets for other forthcoming space-based observatories, such as TESS and the James Webb Space Telescope.
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