Researchers are building the most detailed 3D map of the universe to shed light on its evolution

An international team of scientists has created the most detailed 3D map of the universe, with astrophysicists revealing details of the first 7.5 million galaxies out of a total of 35 million. Stunning image shows the cosmic web of galaxies going back billions of light-years. And, this is just the beginning of the project, which will last seven months old. The survey, which will help explain dark energy, a force that accounts for 68% of the universe and drives its expansion, is expected to take a total of five years to complete.

Scientists are using Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instruments (DESI) for the project and built a component that uses 5,000 optical fibers to increase the telescope’s field of view. The project is adding galaxies at a rate of about one million per month. When the map is complete, with data rotating from 11 billion years ago, it is expected to help astronomers understand the origin of the universe and where it’s headed.

“This [project] will help us find clues about the nature of dark energy. We’ll also learn more about dark matter and its role in how galaxies like the Milky Way form and how the universe is evolving,” said Professor Carlos Frenk from the Institute for Computational Universe. Durham University says BBC.

Researchers are also trying to use the data to figure out how medium-sized black holes work in small galaxies. After mapping 7.5 million galaxies, DESI is aiming to add 27.5 million more by the end of 2026.

Victoria Fawcett, a doctoral researcher at Durham University’s Center for Extragalactic Astronomy, also involved in the project, said DESI is cataloging objects that are much dimmer and redder than what’s known. previously discovered. “We’re finding quite a few strange systems that include large samples of rare objects that we haven’t been able to study in detail before,” she said.

DESI is installed on the Nicholas U. Mayall Telescope in Arizona.