The Digital Press

NASA’s SPHEREx space observatory has started its science mission, capturing about 3,600 infrared images daily to map the entire sky in unprecedented detail. Over two years, it will create a comprehensive 3D map of hundreds of millions of galaxies to explore cosmic origins and life's key ingredients.

Why it matters: SPHEREx provides unique infrared data to study the universe’s early moments and the cosmic distribution of matter.

The big picture: The mission will advance understanding of cosmic inflation, galaxy formation, and interstellar chemistry across the Milky Way.

Stunning stat: SPHEREx observes 102 infrared wavelengths and will take over 9 million observations of interstellar clouds.

Commenters say: Readers are excited about the mission’s potential for groundbreaking discoveries and its contribution to future space telescope projects.