Robert Besser
16 Mar 2025, 07:58 GMT+10
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.
Get a daily dose of BC Post news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to BC Post.
More InformationWASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump has joined Israel's war on Yemen's Houthis, days after the group said it would resume...
LOMPOC, California: NASA launched a new telescope into space this week to study the origins of the universe and search for hidden water...
AUSTIN/SANTA FE: Texas/New Mexico have reported 28 new measles cases in the past five days, bringing the total to 256 since the outbreak...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that helicopters will be permanently banned from flying near Washington...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: The U.S. must accelerate its efforts to develop fusion energy or risk losing its edge to China, Virginia Governor...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: In the past 20 years, China has become the world's top shipbuilder, producing more than half of all commercial ships....
(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images) Left-hander Framber Valdez was named the Houston Astros' Opening Day starter for a fourth...
(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) With the start of the baseball season upon us, teams are finalizing their rosters, hoping...
New Delhi [India], March 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi weighed in on the long-standing debate over football's greatest player...
(Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images) Remember Sham? Of course you do. On name alone, you just had to buy a ticket on him...
New Delhi [India], March 16 (ANI): Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has been testing products from his new sports athleisure brand,...
By Sahil Kohli New Delhi [India], March 16 (ANI): Following a brilliant domestic cricket season, Indian and Delhi Capitals (DC) batter...