NASA’s SPHEREx Mission to Unveil All-Sky Map for the World

Quick Summary:

• NASA’s SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the history of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices explorer) telescope launched in March to map the entire sky in 102 infrared wavelengths.
• The mission aims to study frozen water and organic molecules in our galaxy, probe physics behind universe expansion post-Big Bang, and measure light emitted by all galaxies over time using spectroscopy techniques.
• SPHEREx data is publicly shared on a weekly basis via NASA-IPAC Infrared science Archive, with a processing delay of up to 60 days for accuracy.The initiative supports open science practices aimed at openness and reproducibility.
• During its two-year mission, SPHEREx will complete four all-sky maps; all data will allow collaborative use across global astronomy communities and enhance multiple studies through integration with missions such as James Webb Telescope and TESS.
• Teams from various global institutions participate: U.S.,South Korea,Taiwan; managed by Caltech’s IPAC platform under NASA oversight.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
India has steadily increased its collaboration with international space-focused initiatives while advancing domestic astrophysical capabilities via agencies like ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). open scientific platforms such as those provided by SPHEREx are vital resources that can benefit Indian astronomers engaging in global studies like infrared spectral analysis or dark matter research without additional infrastructure costs. These datasets could potentially empower deeper insights into space phenomena crucial for academic investigations or furthering India’s astrophysical roadmap globally while fostering collaboration opportunities across nations involved.

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