NASA’s SPHEREx

NASA is on the brink of launching SPHEREx, a groundbreaking telescope set to enhance our understanding of the universe. Scheduled for launch no earlier than February 27, 2025, SPHEREx aims to survey the entire sky, mapping cosmic structures and answering fundamental questions about the universe’s origins. With a cost of just $488 million, it promises to deliver insights that surpass those of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which had a budget of $10 billion.

What is SPHEREx?

• SPHEREx is designed to capture images across 102 different infrared colours.
• Unlike JWST, which focuses on specific cosmic targets, SPHEREx will survey the entire sky.
• It will take 600 images daily and create an all-sky map every six months.
• Over its 27-month mission, it will complete four full scans of the night sky, providing a comprehensive view of cosmic phenomena.

Technical Specifications

• SPHEREx measures 8.5 feet tall and 10.5 feet wide, slightly larger than JWST.
• Its design allows for the collection of vast amounts of data, making it capable of observing millions of celestial objects quickly.
• This telescope will trace large-scale cosmic patterns, revealing vital information about the evolution of the universe.

Mapping the Universe

One of SPHEREx’s primary missions is to map the distribution of over 450 million galaxies. This mapping will help scientists understand the aftermath of the Big Bang and the forces that shaped the universe. It aims to provide a clearer picture of galaxy formation and evolution over billions of years.

Focus on the Milky Way

In addition to studying distant galaxies, SPHEREx will focus on our own Milky Way galaxy. It will map over 100 million stars and investigate the building blocks of life found in interstellar clouds. These organic molecules could offer vital information about the origins of life on Earth and potentially other planets.

Impact on Future Space Missions

SPHEREx is expected to serve as important data source for future space missions. Its extensive survey will guide other telescopes, including JWST and the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, to areas of interest. This roadmap for cosmic exploration will enhance our understanding of the universe’s structure and evolution.

Significance of Cosmic Inflation

SPHEREx aims to shed light on cosmic inflation, an event that occurred shortly after the Big Bang. By mapping the universe’s structure, it will provide evidence of how matter was distributed. This could lead to groundbreaking vital information about the early universe and the forces that shaped it.

Broader Implications for Astronomy

NASA describes SPHEREx as a “game-changer” for astronomy. Its ability to map cosmic history in detail will bring scientists closer to understanding not just the universe, but also the fundamental questions of existence and life itself.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the significance of cosmic inflation in the context of the Big Bang theory.
2. Critically examine the differences between the James Webb Space Telescope and SPHEREx in terms of their missions and capabilities.
3. Explain the role of infrared observations in astronomy. How do they contribute to our understanding of the universe?
4. With suitable examples, discuss how advancements in telescope technology have influenced our understanding of cosmic structures.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the significance of cosmic inflation in the context of the Big Bang theory.

1. Cosmic inflation refers to the rapid expansion of the universe immediately after the Big Bang, occurring within a fraction of a second.
2. This theory helps explain the uniformity of the cosmos and the distribution of galaxies observed .
3. It addresses the horizon problem by suggesting that all regions of the universe were once in close proximity.
4. Evidence of inflation is embedded in the cosmic microwave background radiation, providing vital information about early universe conditions.
5. Mapping cosmic structures with SPHEREx could validate inflation theories and enhance our understanding of the universe’s evolution.

2. Critically examine the differences between the James Webb Space Telescope and SPHEREx in terms of their missions and capabilities.

1. JWST focuses on detailed observations of specific cosmic targets, while SPHEREx surveys the entire sky, capturing a broader cosmic picture.
2. SPHEREx operates across 102 different infrared colors, compared to JWST’s narrower focus on selected wavelengths.
3. SPHEREx will take 600 images per day, creating comprehensive all-sky maps every six months, unlike JWST’s targeted imaging approach.
4. SPHEREx is less expensive at $488 million, compared to JWST’s $10 billion budget, yet aims to provide powerful insights.
5. Both telescopes will complement each other, with SPHEREx guiding JWST’s future targeted observations based on its extensive surveys.

3. Explain the role of infrared observations in astronomy. How do they contribute to our understanding of the universe?

1. Infrared observations allow astronomers to see through cosmic dust clouds, revealing hidden celestial objects and structures.
2. They are crucial for studying cool celestial phenomena, such as star formation and the composition of planetary atmospheres.
3. Infrared data helps in detecting distant galaxies and understanding their evolution over time.
4. These observations can identify organic molecules in space, providing vital information about the building blocks of life.
5. SPHEREx’s infrared capabilities will enhance our understanding of cosmic history and the distribution of matter in the universe.

4. With suitable examples, discuss how advancements in telescope technology have influenced our understanding of cosmic structures.

1. The Hubble Space Telescope revolutionized our view of the universe, providing detailed images of galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial phenomena.
2. Groundbreaking advancements in adaptive optics have improved ground-based telescopes, allowing clearer images of distant objects.
3. Radio telescopes, like the Very Large Array, have enabled the mapping of cosmic structures such as cosmic filaments and dark matter distribution.
4. The Kepler Space Telescope’s technology led to the discovery of thousands of exoplanets, reshaping our understanding of planetary systems.
5. SPHEREx’s innovative design and capabilities promise to uncover new cosmic patterns and enhance our knowledge of the universe’s evolution.