A modest NASA space telescope with grand ambitions will soon launch into an orbit around Earth. Here's why scientists are excited about it.
The article discusses NASA's upcoming SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) space telescope, set to launch in 2025. SPHEREx aims to explore the origins of the universe, the formation of galaxies, and the potential for life elsewhere by mapping the entire sky in near-infrared light. This mission will help scientists understand the cosmic history by studying the distribution of water and other key elements necessary for life, as well as examining the conditions that could lead to life on other planets. The telescope will provide insights into the early universe, the epoch of reionization, and the distribution of interstellar dust, which could reveal how stars and galaxies formed and evolved. By analyzing the light from over 300 million galaxies, SPHEREx will offer a comprehensive view of the universe's structure and composition, potentially answering fundamental questions about our cosmic origins and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Science & Technology
