NASA's latest astrophysics space telescope, SPHEREx, successfully launched in March and has now entered low-Earth orbit, officially beginning its mission to map the entire sky. The telescope delivers survey data to public archives weekly, enabling researchers worldwide to explore the mysteries of the universe.

Rachel Akeson, director of the IPAC SPHEREx Science Data Center, stated: "SPHEREx observations cover the entire sky, and nearly every field of astronomy can benefit from its data." IPAC, Caltech's center for astrophysics and planetary science data, provides critical support for the SPHEREx mission. Compared to NASA's retired Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), which used only four bands, SPHEREx achieves a breakthrough by observing in 102 infrared wavelengths.

By combining multi-band data, scientists can use spectroscopy to identify specific molecular signatures. The SPHEREx team will employ this technique to study the distribution of frozen water and organic molecules in the Milky Way and to investigate the physical mechanisms driving cosmic expansion since the Big Bang. Once the mission data is publicly archived, it will inspire global research teams to conduct more interdisciplinary studies. Akeson emphasized: "Open data allows the entire astronomical community to utilize SPHEREx resources and push the boundaries of science."

NASA is committed to scientific data sharing. Within 60 days of each observation, processed SPHEREx data will be deposited into public archives. The short delay is used to remove artifacts, correct detector effects, and align astronomical coordinates. The team simultaneously releases data-processing software to ensure researchers can conduct independent studies. "We want to provide enough information to support fully independent research," Akeson said. Over the two-year primary mission, SPHEREx will survey the entire sky twice per year, ultimately producing all-sky maps covering all 102 wavelengths.

SPHEREx data will not only drive independent research but will also synergize with other missions to expand astronomical frontiers. It can help select observation targets for the James Webb Space Telescope, refine exoplanet parameters for the TESS mission, and collaborate with Euclid and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to study dark matter properties. The IRSA archive hosting SPHEREx data has already integrated multi-mission all-sky maps, providing researchers with comprehensive views of celestial objects. IRSA science lead Vandana Desai said: "SPHEREx is a vital part of NASA's space-survey legacy, and its data will be applied in ways we cannot yet imagine."