NASA is set to launch the SPHEREx space telescope, a groundbreaking mission designed to explore the origins of the universe and the distribution of life-essential molecules in the Milky Way. Scheduled for liftoff on February 27, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the telescope will conduct an extensive infrared survey of the sky.
SPHEREx will map hundreds of millions of galaxies and analyze interstellar dust to detect water and organic compounds. Scientists hope this data will offer new insights into the formation of the early universe and the potential for extraterrestrial life. Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope, SPHEREx will scan the entire sky every six months, providing a dynamic and evolving view of cosmic phenomena.
With its unique capabilities, SPHEREx is expected to significantly enhance our understanding of the cosmos, offering a fresh perspective on the universe’s origins and evolution.