NASA SPHEREx telescope is launched to study universe's origins

Fri, 28 Mar 2025

SPHEREx telescope to create a three-dimensional map of the cosmos

Robert Besser
16 Mar 2025, 07:58 GMT+10

NASA SPHEREx telescope is launched to study universe's origins

NASA launched a new telescope into space this week to study the origins of the universe and search for hidden water in the Milky Way galaxy, a key ingredient for life
The SPHEREx telescope, shaped like a megaphone, was sent into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California
Over its two-year mission, it will scan 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars, creating a detailed 3D map of the universe in 102 colors of light

LOMPOC, California: NASA launched a new telescope into space this week to study the origins of the universe and search for hidden water in the Milky Way galaxy, a key ingredient for life.

The SPHEREx telescope, shaped like a megaphone, was sent into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. Over its two-year mission, it will scan 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars, creating a detailed 3D map of the universe in 102 colors of light.

One goal of the mission is to study "cosmic inflation," the rapid expansion of the universe right after the Big Bang, about 13.8 billion years ago. Scientists hope SPHEREx will provide clues about this early stage of the universe.

The telescope will also search for frozen water and other molecules in large clouds of gas and dust, where stars and planets form. Scientists believe these icy dust grains hold most of the universe's water.

Alongside SPHEREx, NASA also launched a group of small satellites for the PUNCH mission. This mission will study the sun's atmosphere and the solar wind. This research will help scientists understand how solar activity affects Earth and space technology.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Munich Metro.

More Information

null in null

Europe

Section

Objections delay McDonald's drive-thrus in Ireland

McDonald's Ireland expansion stalls amid local objections

DUBLIN, Ireland: McDonald's expansion drive in Ireland has hit a roadblock as two proposed drive-thru restaurants face appeals from...

Number of arrests over Monday's organised crime bust rises to 6

Sixth person arrested in west Dublin organised crime operation

DUBLIN, Ireland - A sixth person has been taken into custody following Monday's search raids in connection with an ongoing investigation...

Ireland’s Central Bank warns of economic risk from US-EU trade dispute

US-EU trade war 'extremely concerning' for Ireland, Central Bank says

DUBLIN, Ireland: As tensions rise between the United States and the European Union over potential tariffs, Ireland's Central Bank governor...

Welfare cuts in Ireland hit jobseekers under stricter work mandates

Thousands in Ireland lose benefits as government tightens jobseeker rules

DUBLIN, Ireland: In 2024, thousands of jobseekers saw their welfare payments reduced for not fully engaging with employment support...

Finance minister warns trade war could hurt Ireland’s economy

Trade war may hit prices, growth, jobs in Ireland, minister says

DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland's Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned that an escalating trade war between the European Union and...

Ireland climbs to 15th in World Happiness rankings

Ireland ranked 15th happiest country in the world

DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland has risen two places to become the 15th happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report...

International

Section

North Carolina court allows suit over teen’s unapproved COVID shot

North Carolina court allows family to sue over unwanted COVID-19 shot

RALEIGH, North Carolina: North Carolina's highest court has ruled that a mother and her teenage son can pursue a lawsuit over a COVID-19...

Florida City to train local police for immigration enforcement

Fort Myers officials approve plan to aid ICE in deportations

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida: City officials in Fort Myers, Florida, voted last week to approve a new agreement allowing local police to...

US unveils plan to modernize air traffic control amid safety concerns

US transportation chief to unveil plan to upgrade air traffic control

WASHINGTON, D.C.: With flight delays rising and aviation safety under scrutiny, the U.S. government is preparing a sweeping modernization...

NTSB calls for urgent safety checks on 68 US bridges, including icons

US agency calls for urgent safety assessments of iconic bridges

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called for urgent safety checks on 68 bridges, including...

US expands oil, gas leasing and eases Alaska energy restrictions

Trump administration to open more Alaska acres for oil, gas drilling

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has announced plans to open more land for oil and gas drilling in Alaska and...

Lawmakers push for fewer military flights in Washington D.C. area

Democrats urge cut in Washington D.C. military flights after crash

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Ten Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have asked the Pentagon to reduce military training...

Movie Review

Blade Runner 2049