SPHEREx Vela Molecular Ridge

This image of the Vela Molecular Ridge was captured by NASA's SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) and was part of the mission's first public data release on July 2, 2025. The yellow patch at right is RCW 36, an emission nebula – a cloud of interstellar gas and dust that glows in some infrared colors due to radiation from nearby stars. SPHEREx detects 102 infrared wavelengths, or colors, that aren't visible to the human eye. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26354