SPHEREx telescope to create a three-dimensional map of the cosmos

Robert Besser
16 Mar 2025, 07:58 GMT+10

NASA launched a new telescope into space this week to study the origins of the universe and search for hidden water in the Milky Way galaxy, a key ingredient for life
The SPHEREx telescope, shaped like a megaphone, was sent into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California
Over its two-year mission, it will scan 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars, creating a detailed 3D map of the universe in 102 colors of light

LOMPOC, California: NASA launched a new telescope into space this week to study the origins of the universe and search for hidden water in the Milky Way galaxy, a key ingredient for life.

The SPHEREx telescope, shaped like a megaphone, was sent into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. Over its two-year mission, it will scan 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars, creating a detailed 3D map of the universe in 102 colors of light.

One goal of the mission is to study "cosmic inflation," the rapid expansion of the universe right after the Big Bang, about 13.8 billion years ago. Scientists hope SPHEREx will provide clues about this early stage of the universe.

The telescope will also search for frozen water and other molecules in large clouds of gas and dust, where stars and planets form. Scientists believe these icy dust grains hold most of the universe's water.

Alongside SPHEREx, NASA also launched a group of small satellites for the PUNCH mission. This mission will study the sun's atmosphere and the solar wind. This research will help scientists understand how solar activity affects Earth and space technology.

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