Two NASA missions, SPHEREx and PUNCH, finally launched after several delays from Vandenburg Space Force Base in California. SPHEREx is a space telescope that will capture images of the entire sky in over a hundred colors invisible to the human eye. Accompanying SPHEREx is PUNCH, a suite of satellites that will study the sun’s outer atmosphere and solar wind. The launch on Tuesday night took place against a clear California sky, with the rocket’s reusable booster separating from the upper stage shortly after liftoff.
SPHEREx, short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, will survey the sky in 102 colors of infrared light, a first of its kind mission. Scientists will use the data to study the evolution of light emitted by galaxies over time and to locate frozen water and other essential life ingredients in the Milky Way. Additionally, SPHEREx will help create a 3D map showing the clustering of galaxies in the universe today which will shed light on the rapid expansion of the cosmos after the Big Bang through inflation. By capturing around 600 images each day for over two years, SPHEREx aims to provide a comprehensive view of celestial objects in space.
PUNCH, on the other hand, will focus on studying the solar wind streaming from the sun and its impact on the solar system. Comprising of four satellites, PUNCH will use polarizing filters to measure polarized light and reconstruct the position, speed, and direction of the corona and solar wind in three dimensions. This will allow scientists to better predict space weather events such as coronal mass ejections that can affect Earth. By observing both the sun’s corona and the broader cocoon of solar wind, PUNCH offers a more holistic view of the sun’s outer atmosphere and its interactions in the solar system.
SPHEREx and PUNCH are designed to complement each other by providing insights into both the farthest reaches of the universe and the dynamics of our own sun and solar system. While SPHEREx will map the sky in intricate detail to uncover the secrets of galaxies and cosmic evolution, PUNCH will focus on monitoring the solar wind and its influence on Earth in order to improve space weather forecasts. Both missions are orbiting approximately 400 miles above Earth’s terminator in sun-synchronous orbits, allowing them to maintain clear views of their respective targets.
The data collected by SPHEREx and PUNCH will enable astronomers and heliophysicists to make significant advancements in understanding the universe and our solar system. By capturing detailed images and spectra of celestial objects and studying the solar wind and coronal mass ejections, scientists will gain valuable insights into the processes that shape our cosmos. These missions represent a crucial step forward in unraveling the mysteries of the universe and opening up new avenues for exploration and discovery.
In conclusion, the successful launch of SPHEREx and PUNCH marks a significant milestone in NASA’s quest to explore and understand the cosmos. With their unique capabilities and objectives, these missions hold the promise of unlocking new knowledge about galaxies, cosmic evolution, and the intricacies of the solar wind. By working in tandem, SPHEREx and PUNCH will provide a comprehensive view of the universe and the sun, offering valuable insights into the fundamental processes governing our cosmic environment.
