A concise summary of the SPHEREx mission. Understand the “Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe” and its role in space exploration. Important current affairs for APSC/ UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
SPHEREx Mission
- The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) telescope is a megaphone shaped telescope.
- It is a NASA Astrophysics mission launched in 2025.
- It will survey the sky in optical as well as near-infrared light, which, though not visible to the human eye, serves as a powerful tool for answering cosmic questions.
- Over a two-year planned mission, the SPHEREx Observatory will collect data on the other galaxies along with Milky Way in order to explore the origins of the universe.
- With this capability, SPHEREx will produce a threedimensional map of the universe.
- Scientists will use this map to answer big questions about the early universe, the history of galaxies, and the prevalence of life-sustaining molecules in planetforming regions of space.
- It also will identify targets for more detailed study by future missions, such as NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope.
LUCENT IAS APSC Prelims PYQ
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the SPHEREx Mission:
- It is a NASA Astrophysics mission launched in 2025.
- The telescope will survey the sky exclusively in the X-ray spectrum.
- One of its primary goals is to produce a three-dimensional map of the universe.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: It is a “NASA Astrophysics mission launched in 2025.”
- Statement 2 is incorrect: It will survey the sky in “optical as well as near-infrared light,” not X-ray.
- Statement 3 is correct: “SPHEREx will produce a three dimensional map of the universe.”
Q2. With reference to the objectives of the SPHEREx Observatory, consider the following statements:
- It aims to explore the prevalence of life-sustaining molecules in planet-forming regions.
- It will collect data solely on the Milky Way galaxy to understand the early universe.
- It will identify targets for future missions like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Scientists will use the map to answer questions about the “prevalence of life-sustaining molecules in planet forming regions.”
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The mission will “collect data on the other galaxies along with Milky Way,” not solely the Milky Way.
- Statement 3 is correct: It will “identify targets for more detailed study by future missions, such as NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.”
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