NASA’s SPHEREx (Spectrophotometer for the Exploration of the History of the Universe, Era of Reionization, and Ice) space telescope has successfully created the first comprehensive 102-color infrared map of the entire sky, utilizing observations collected from May to December 2025. While these 102 infrared wavelengths are invisible to the human eye, their widespread presence in the universe enables scientists to tackle significant questions, such as understanding monumental events on Earth. The milliseconds following the Big Bang profoundly influenced the 3D distribution of billions of galaxies. Furthermore, this invaluable data will aid in studying the evolution of galaxies over the universe’s 13.8 billion-year history and analyzing the distribution of essential life ingredients within our Milky Way galaxy.
This infrared image from SPHEREx features color emissions from stars (blue, green, and white), hot hydrogen gas (blue), and cosmic dust (red). Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.
The Earth completes approximately 14.5 rotations in a single day. Spherex travels from north to south, crossing over both poles.
Each day, SPHEREx captures around 3,600 images along a defined circular path in the sky. As time progresses and the planets orbit the sun, SPHEREx’s observational field shifts accordingly.
After six months, the observatory managed to explore the cosmos, capturing a full 360 degrees of the sky.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California oversees this mission, which commenced sky mapping in May and achieved its inaugural all-sky mosaic in December.
Over its two-year primary mission, SPHEREx plans to conduct three additional all-sky scans, merging these maps to enhance measurement sensitivity.
Dr. Sean Domagal Goldman, director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters, remarked, “It’s astounding that SPHEREx has gathered such a wealth of data in just six months. This information, combined with data from other missions, provides deeper insights into the universe.”
“We essentially have 102 new maps of the entire sky, each featuring distinct wavelengths and delivering unique information about celestial objects.”
“Astronomers will find valuable insights here, as NASA’s mission will facilitate answers to fundamental questions regarding the universe’s beginnings and its evolution, ultimately shedding light on our position within it.”
“SPHEREx is a medium-sized astrophysics mission delivering groundbreaking science,” stated Dave Gallagher, director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
“This remarkable project exemplifies how bold ideas can transform into reality, unlocking immense potential for groundbreaking discoveries.”
Every one of the 102 colors detected by SPHEREx corresponds to a wavelength of infrared light, each of which conveys unique information about galaxies, stars, planet-forming regions, and other cosmic phenomena.
For instance, dense dust clouds in our galaxy, where stars and planets are born, shine brightly at specific wavelengths but remain completely invisible at others.
This separation of light into its component wavelengths is known as spectroscopy.
While prior missions, including NASA’s Wide-Field Infrared Surveyor, have mapped the entire sky, none have achieved the same diversity of colors as SPHEREx.
In contrast, the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope can perform spectroscopy at significantly longer wavelengths than SPHEREx, but its field of view is thousands of times smaller.
The diversity of colors combined with a wide observational field is what renders SPHEREx exceptionally powerful.
“The true superpower of SPHEREx lies in its ability to capture the entire sky in 102 colors approximately every six months,” declared SPHEREx Project Manager Beth Fabinski, Ph.D., of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
“It’s incredible how much information we can collect in a short timeframe.”
“This makes us akin to telescopic mantis shrimps, equipped with an extraordinary polychromatic visual detection system capable of observing a vast area around us.”
Source: www.sci.news
