AssetID: 55630934
Headline: Scientists create 'most detailed ever' 3D map of the universe
Caption: **VIDEO AVAILABLE: CONTACT INFO@COVERMG.COM TO RECEIVE** BY MARK WORGAN Scientists have created the most detailed three-dimensional map of the Universe ever produced, charting more than 47 million galaxies and quasars. The breakthrough comes from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), mounted on the Nicholas U. Mayall Telescope in the United States. The five-year survey, completed ahead of schedule, provides an unprecedented view of the cosmos and is expected to help researchers better understand dark energy - the phenomenon believed to account for about 70% of the Universe and responsible for its accelerating expansion. On its final night of observations, DESI’s 5,000 fibre-optic sensors scanned a region of sky near the Little Dipper, capturing light that had travelled billions of years to reach Earth. The international collaboration behind the project involves more than 900 researchers from over 70 institutions and is led by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. By comparing how galaxies clustered in the past with how they are distributed today, scientists can trace the influence of dark energy across 11 billion years of cosmic history. Early findings from the first three years of data suggested that dark energy - long thought to be constant - may in fact evolve over time. Stephanie Juneau, associate astronomer at NSF NOIRLab, said: “It’s impossible to capture everything that went into making DESI such a successful experiment. From instrument builders and software engineers to technicians, observatory staff, and scientists - including many early-career researchers - it truly took a village.” “Ultimately, we are doing this for all humanity, to better understand our Universe and its eventual fate. After finding hints that dark energy might deviate from a constant, potentially altering that fate, this moment feels like sitting on the edge of my seat as we analyse the new map to see whether those hints will be confirmed. I’m also very intrigued by the many other discoveries that await in this new dataset.” Kathy Turner, programme manager at the US Department of Energy, said: “The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument has truly exceeded all expectations, delivering an unprecedented 3D map of the Universe that will revolutionise our understanding of dark energy.” “From its inception, we envisioned a project that would push the boundaries of cosmology, and to see it come to such a spectacularly successful completion for its initial survey, ahead of schedule and with such rich data, is incredibly rewarding. The dedication and ingenuity of the entire DESI collaboration have made this world-leading science a reality, and I am immensely proud of the groundbreaking results we are already seeing and the discoveries yet to come as we continue to explore the mysteries of our cosmos.” DESI director Michael Levi added: “DESI’s five-year survey has been spectacularly successful. The instrument performed better than anticipated. The results have been incredibly exciting. And the size and scope of the map, and how quickly we’ve been able to execute, is phenomenal. We’re going to celebrate completion of the original survey and then get started on the work of churning through the data, because we’re all curious about what new surprises are waiting for us.” The instrument has gathered six times more cosmological data than all previous surveys combined. While full results from the five-year dataset are expected in 2027, researchers are continuing to analyse earlier data, with further studies due later this year. DESI began observations in May 2021 and has already surpassed its original target of mapping 34 million galaxies and quasars. In addition to the 47 million recorded, it has also observed around 20 million stars. The project has faced significant challenges, including delays during the Covid-19 pandemic and threats from wildfire at Kitt Peak in 2022. However, the telescope itself was not damaged. Observations are now set to continue until 2028, expanding the survey area and focusing on more distant and fainter galaxies. Scientists also plan to study nearby dwarf galaxies and stellar streams to improve understanding of dark matter. Researchers say the extended mission could provide crucial insights into the fundamental forces shaping the Universe - and its ultimate fate.
Keywords: feature,photo,video,noirlab,universe,space,astronomy,science
PersonInImage: Flying through the largest ever 3D map of the Universe, created by the now-completed five-year Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey. Every dot represents a galaxy. The large-scale structure of the Universe is revealed in the way that galaxies and galaxy clusters clump together to form the strands of the cosmic web. The strands are separated by immense voids, creating a vast foam-like structure.