Cosmic Light: SPHEREx to Illuminate Universe's History

NASA's SPHEREx mission, launched by SpaceX, aims to map the entire sky to study galaxy formation and the universe's rapid expansion. It will observe the cosmic glow from the Big Bang's aftermath, with unique infrared detectors, providing a broad look at the universe's history.

NASA's latest technological marvel, the SPHEREx space telescope, embarked on its journey to orbit, aiming to provide an unparalleled, expansive view of the cosmos. Launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from California, the observatory sets forth to illuminate the universe's history by mapping the cosmic glow of millions of galaxies.

Weighing around 1,110 pounds, SPHEREx is engineered to scrutinize the sky with its infrared sensors, distinguishing 102 colors invisible to the human eye. This mission, costing USD 488 million, is designed to uncover how galaxies originated and evolved, offering insights into the universe's initial expansion moments after the Big Bang.

Unlike Hubble and Webb telescopes, SPHEREx won't focus on individual galaxies. Instead, it will capture the universal light spectrum, aiming to unveil the mysteries of the early universe. SpaceX's launch also deployed a set of satellites to study the sun, all part of a mission delayed by technical hitches.

(With inputs from agencies.)