SPIRE (Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver)

SPIRE (Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver) is an instrument onboard the Herschel Space Observatory that captures infrared light emitted by cosmic objects like stars, galaxies, and dust clouds. It allows scientists to take detailed images and analyze the thermal radiation to understand the composition, temperature, and structure of these objects. By measuring infrared light that is often hidden from visible telescopes, SPIRE helps researchers explore the universe's early stages, star formation, and the distribution of matter in space, providing crucial insights into the workings of the cosmos.