Astronomers have completed the largest three-dimensional map of the universe ever made [1, 2, 3].
This cosmic survey allows scientists to investigate dark energy and the mechanisms driving the expansion of the universe over billions of years [2, 3]. By charting the positions of distant celestial objects, researchers can better understand the forces that shape the cosmos.
The project was conducted by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration [1, 2]. Data for the map were collected at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, U.S. [2, 3]. The resulting dataset is massive, with a size comparable to about 500,000 HD movies [5].
According to the project's findings, the map includes 47 million galaxies and quasars [4]. This level of detail provides a comprehensive look at the large-scale structure of the universe. The effort required five years of observations by DESI to achieve this scope [2].
"Astronomers have completed the largest 3D map of the universe ever made," Dan Clery said [6].
The map tracks how the universe has evolved over time. By observing the distribution of galaxies, astronomers can detect how dark energy has pushed galaxies apart. This process helps verify existing models of physics, or suggests the need for new theories regarding the nature of space and time.
“Astronomers have completed the largest 3D map of the universe ever made.”
The completion of this map marks a shift from theoretical modeling to empirical observation of dark energy's influence. By providing a high-resolution 3D record of 47 million objects, the DESI collaboration can now measure the rate of cosmic expansion with unprecedented precision, potentially revealing whether dark energy is a constant force or evolves over time.
