NASA’s SPHEREx Telescope Begins 3D Infrared Mapping of the Universe t473h Technology News

NASA's SPHEREx telescope is capturing 3,600 images daily to map the entire sky in 3D infrared light. 3v1o4v

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 12 May 2025 23:03 IST

NASA’s SPHEREx Telescope Begins 3D Infrared Mapping of the Universe

Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech 582v2m

NASA's SPHEREx is mapping the sky in 3D to chart millions of galaxies

Highlights

SPHEREx maps the sky in 102 infrared wavelengths for 3D insights
Over 3,600 images taken daily to trace galaxy evolution and origins
Will study over 9 million interstellar clouds in the Milky Way

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Space Telescope, and will play a key role in answering the big questions about the universe.

Mission goals 3p5w4a

According to NASA's official website, SPHEREx, an observatory in Earth orbit, will complete over 11,000 orbits over 25 months, circling Earth 14½ times a day. It takes images along one circular strip of the sky, and as the planet moves around the Sun, its field of view shifts. SPHEREx takes about 600 exposures per day, each capturing different wavelengths of light. When one exposure is completed, the observatory shifts position, and the mirrors and detectors don't move.

Instead of using thrusters, SPHEREx relies on a system of reaction wheels to control its orientation. The observatory will look out into space in every direction after six months. The observatory's field of view shifts as the planet moves around the Sun.

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Spectroscopic insight 1mb1h

SPHEREx is the first mission to map the entire sky in 102 colors of infrared light, using spectroscopy to separate light into wavelengths. This allows scientists to determine distances to galaxies, turning 2D maps into 3D ones and tracing the glow of all galaxies through time. Spectroscopy also reveals the chemical makeup of cosmic objects, helping identify water and life-related compounds.

SPHEREx will make over 9 million observations of interstellar clouds in the Milky Way, mapping their distribution and chemistry. These insights will help scientists understand how different cosmic environments influenced the development of life's essential ingredients on Earth.

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