NASA’s latest space observatory, SPHEREx, has officially begun its mission to explore the cosmos, marking a significant step toward unlocking the secrets of the universe’s origin, the evolution of galaxies, and the fundamental components that make up the Milky Way.
Over the next two years, SPHEREx will capture approximately 3,600 images per day as it systematically surveys the entire sky. Since its launch on March 11, the telescope has undergone rigorous checkouts and calibrations to ensure it’s ready for its ambitious journey.
“This new observatory is adding to the suite of space-based astrophysics survey missions leading up to the launch of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Together with these other missions, SPHEREx will play a key role in answering the big questions about the universe we tackle at NASA every day.”
SPHEREx aims to chart the positions of hundreds of millions of galaxies in three dimensions, addressing profound questions in cosmology, such as how the universe began and how its large-scale structure has evolved over time. By mapping the sky in unprecedented detail, scientists hope to gain new insights into the processes that shaped the cosmos.
Throughout its mission, the observatory will complete more than 11,000 orbits, circling Earth about 14 and a half times each day. This extensive coverage will provide a comprehensive view of the sky, helping researchers understand the building blocks of life in our galaxy and beyond.
The data gathered by SPHEREx will complement other NASA missions and contribute to a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. For young people around the world, especially those in the Global South, such missions inspire curiosity and a passion for science, showing what’s possible when humanity reaches for the stars.
