Historic Celebration in New York City

In a spectacular showcase of science and celebration, members of NASA’s SPHEREx mission team honored Earth Day by ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on April 22, 2025. This event marked not only a significant day for the environment but also celebrated the recent launch of their cutting-edge astrophysics observatory.

Breaking New Ground in Astrophysics

Caught in a moment of triumph, Michael Thelen, NASA’s flight system manager for SPHEREx, joyously rang the iconic bell, joined by the brilliant minds from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and key contributors from BAE Systems Inc., who played a crucial role in building the observatory’s structure.

A Historic Ringing That Resonated Beyond Wall Street

As the clock struck 4:00 p.m. EDT, brokers paused their hustle to hear the bell toll, a unique honor typically reserved for major companies and newsmakers. This recognition of a NASA mission underscores the growing importance of scientific advancement in the public realm.

What is SPHEREx?

The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) is more than just a telescope; it’s a revolutionary tool orbiting the Earth at 430 miles (700 kilometers) altitude. Launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 12, 2025, SPHEREx will gather invaluable data, mapping over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars in our Milky Way.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe

SPHEREx is poised to answer fundamental questions about the universe's evolution and search for the essential ingredients required for life within our galaxy. This ambitious mission signifies a leap forward in our quest to understand the cosmos.

Curious for More?

Stay tuned as we track SPHEREx's extraordinary journey and uncover the secrets it brings back from the depths of space!