NASA's SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) mission is indeed a significant undertaking, and here's a breakdown of why it's considered a big deal:
- Mapping the Entire Sky:
- SPHEREx will create a comprehensive, all-sky survey in infrared light. This means it will map the entire sky visible from Earth, providing a broad view of the cosmos.
- This is different from telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which focus on detailed observations of specific, smaller areas of the sky. SPHEREx offers a wide-angle view.
- Detailed Color Mapping:
- A key feature of SPHEREx is its ability to split light into 96 different color bands. This will create a very detailed "color map" of the universe, allowing scientists to analyze the composition of celestial objects.
- Understanding the Universe's Origins:
- One of the primary goals is to investigate cosmic inflation, the rapid expansion of the universe that occurred shortly after the Big Bang. By mapping the distribution of galaxies, SPHEREx will help scientists understand this crucial period in the universe's history.
- Searching for the Building Blocks of Life:
- SPHEREx will also search for water and organic molecules in our Milky Way galaxy. This will provide valuable insights into how the ingredients for life are distributed throughout the galaxy.
- Infrared Observations:
- Operating in the infrared spectrum allows SPHEREx to see objects that are obscured by dust and gas, providing a unique view of the universe.
- Complementary to other telescopes:
- SPHEREx will work in a way that compliments other telescopes like the JWST. While JWST takes deep detailed images of small sections of the sky, SPHEREx will give a wide view of the entire sky.
In essence, SPHEREx is designed to provide a large-scale, comprehensive view of the universe, helping scientists answer fundamental questions about its origins and the distribution of the building blocks of life.