What does the spectral information collected by the SPHEREx instrument reveal about observed objects?
Answer
The chemical composition of the objects
By collecting light across more than 100 spectral bands, the spacecraft creates a detailed profile for every pixel in its map. This spectral data functions like a chemical barcode. By analyzing the unique signatures of light absorption and emission across these bands, researchers can identify the chemical composition of stars, galaxies, and interstellar ices, which is fundamental to understanding their nature and history.
Related Questions
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