The US Space Agency, NASA is all set to launch a new spacecraft to study the ultraviolet light present in the sky. The official mission, Ultraviolet Explorer or UVEX will have three major goals that will be achieved by studying the hottest objects and fleeting events like supernovae.
UVEX, a new space telescope project, has three main goals. Firstly, it aims to conduct a comprehensive survey of the sky in both near- and far-ultraviolet light. This survey will create a detailed UV map, much deeper than previous ones, thanks to UVEX’s highly sensitive instruments. Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Explorer (GALEX), UVEX’s instruments are 50 to 100 times more sensitive.
Secondly, UVEX will specialize in detecting stars and galaxies that are hot but have low mass and metal content. These celestial objects are challenging to detect using other types of light.
Lastly, UVEX will be able to quickly pivot to investigate transient events, such as stars collapsing and triggering supernovae. It can also be directed towards the sources of gravitational wave signals to search for any associated UV flashes.
UVEX has been in development for years and has been selected by NASA for its Explorers Program, beating out other proposals like STAR-X, which focused on X-rays. UVEX is slated to launch in 2030 and operate for a two-year mission. The project is estimated to cost around US$300 million, plus additional expenses for launching.
Once operational, UVEX will offer a unique perspective on the universe. It will complement other space telescopes like Euclid, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, all of which observe visible and infrared light. Together, these telescopes will provide a comprehensive view of the cosmos, helping scientists unravel its mysteries.