NASA's SPHEREx space telescope captures stunning images of distant galaxies

On March 27, 2025, NASA’s SPHEREx space telescope, launched on March 11, turned on its detectors for the first time, successfully capturing images of tens of thousands of stars and galaxies. This mission is designed to map millions of galaxies and gather important data about the universe. The images released by NASA indicate that all systems are functioning correctly and that the telescope is accurately focused, which is crucial as its focus is not adjustable in space. The agency has disclosed six colorful images, each representing different infrared wavelengths, taken by various detectors across the same area of the sky. SPHEREx, which stands for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, will begin its routine science operations in late April, allowing for around 600 exposures daily. Each image is anticipated to contain over 100,000 detected light sources, which could provide insights into the composition of objects and the distances to galaxies. Researchers plan to address significant topics such as the physics of the universe and the origins of water within our galaxy. The capacity of the telescope to detect faint, distant galaxies further enhances its value as a significant tool for astronomers. Olivier Doré, the SPHEREx project scientist at Caltech and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, expressed enthusiasm about the early success of the telescope, stating, "Our spacecraft has opened its eyes on the universe. It’s performing just as it was designed to." Additionally, Beth Fabinsky, SPHEREx deputy project manager at JPL, mentioned this moment as a noteworthy accomplishment of the spacecraft's checkout. She acknowledges that while there is still work to be done, the successful activation of the telescope is a critical milestone. As the SPHEREx team looks ahead, the hope is that the wealth of information gathered will drive forward understanding in many key areas of astrophysics. The use of infrared light detection is especially crucial for advancing knowledge in areas that have remained elusive in previous astronomical explorations. The launch and operation of SPHEREx mark a significant leap in the efforts to comprehend the complex nature of the universe.