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A map of Earth’s entire sky as seen by SPHEREx in 102 colors. |Image source: NASA/JPL-Caltech
NASA’s SPHEREx observatory has completed the first incredible map of the entire sky above Earth.
In addition to their aesthetic value, maps and other collected data SphereExLaunched this March, it will help astronomers answer some of the biggest questions about the universe. These include: What happened during the first billionth of a trillion One trillionth one second later big Bangand how does this affect the 3D distribution of the hundreds of millions of galaxies in our universe?
Scientists will also use SPHEREx data to study how galaxies The 13.8 billion year history of the universe. This may include the key elements needed to determine how life is distributed.
Infrared colors of the SPHEREx cosmogram. |Image source: NASA/JPL-Caltech
“It’s incredible how much information SPHEREx has collected in just six months — and will be especially valuable when used with data from our other missions to better understand our universe,” Sean Domagal-Goldman, director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said in a statement. “We essentially have 102 new maps of the entire sky, each one at a different wavelength and containing unique information about the objects it sees.
“I think every astronomer will find something of value here, as NASA’s missions enable the world to answer fundamental questions about how the universe began and how it changed to ultimately create our home.”
SPHEREx orbits the Earth | Image source: NASA
SPHEREx, which stands for “Spectrophotometer of Cosmic History, Epochs of Reionization and Ice Detectors,” orbits the Earth from North Pole to South Pole less than 15 times a day.
In fact, the cone-shaped spacecraft captured 3,600 images in each of its orbits, with Earth’s orbit around the sun changing the space observatory’s view.
SPHEREx began operations in May and only this month completed the first map of the entire sky above Earth. During the main mission, which will last two years, the spacecraft is expected to complete three additional full-sky scans. This data will be merged with existing maps to create more detailed images above the earth.
“SPHEREx is a medium-sized astrophysics mission that delivers big science,” said Dave Gallagher, director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “It is a remarkable example of how we can turn bold ideas into reality and unlock tremendous potential for discovery in the process.”