Los Angeles, California – A new spacecraft named SPHEREx is set to embark on a mission that will revolutionize our understanding of the universe. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, SPHEREx will conduct an extensive survey of the sky, scanning millions of targets in 102 infrared wavelengths. By utilizing spectroscopy, the spacecraft will measure the water content in star-forming clouds, offering valuable insights into potential locations that could support life beyond our galaxy.
This groundbreaking observatory will not only focus on distant galaxies but will also capture images of objects within our Solar System, including planets, asteroids, comets, and icy worlds. SPHEREx’s findings will shed light on the composition of these celestial bodies, revealing the presence of water, iron, carbon dioxide, and various types of ices on their surfaces. Such data will contribute to our understanding of the intricacies of our cosmic neighborhood.
Joining SPHEREx on its journey into space are four small NASA satellites that constitute the secondary mission known as PUNCH. These satellites will be tasked with studying the solar corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun that extends millions of miles into space. By investigating how the corona generates the solar wind, which comprises charged particles streaming from the Sun, PUNCH aims to unravel the mysteries of this volatile region.
Researchers are particularly interested in studying the solar wind due to its potential impact on Earth. The rapid streams of particles can interact with our planet’s magnetic field, leading to geomagnetic storms that can disrupt satellite operations, navigation systems, and communication networks. Understanding the mechanisms behind these phenomena is crucial for mitigating potential risks associated with solar activity.
As SPHEREx embarks on its mission to explore the cosmos and PUNCH delves into the secrets of the solar corona, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the wealth of knowledge that these missions will bring. With groundbreaking technology at their disposal, these spacecraft are poised to make significant contributions to our understanding of the universe and its intricate workings.