Introduction to NASA’s SPHEREx Mission
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is known for its stellar exploration missions that seek to answer fundamental questions about our universe. One of their upcoming ventures is the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) mission. Scheduled to launch on March 4, 2025, the mission aims to study the early history of the universe and explore the prospect of water in the Milky Way.
Understanding the Objectives of SPHEREx
Studying the Early Universe
One of SPHEREx’s primary objectives is to delve into the early history of the universe. The mission will study the cosmic microwave background – the radiation left over from the Big Bang – to understand the initial conditions that led to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets.
Exploring the Presence of Water in the Milky Way
The SPHEREx mission will also map the Milky Way in search for water and other important molecules. By analyzing the light from more than 300 million galaxies and more than 100 million stars in our own galaxy, scientists hope to identify regions where star formation is active and where water might be present.
Methodology of SPHEREx
SPHEREx will employ a spectro-photometer, a device that measures the intensity of light as a function of its wavelength. This instrument will allow scientists to create a detailed spectral map of the entire sky, indicating the presence of water and other molecules based on how each absorbs and emits light.
The Significance of SPHEREx
SPHEREx’s quest for water in our galaxy is a critical step towards understanding the possibility of life beyond Earth. Water is essential for life as we know it; therefore, its presence in other parts of our galaxy could indicate places where life might exist or have existed in the past. Further, studying the early universe will help scientists understand the fundamental rules that govern its formation and evolution, contributing to our overall understanding of the cosmos.
