Largest 3D map of the universe contains 47 million galaxies as darkish power probed
Scottish researchers from the University of St Andrews helped create what scientists believe is the largest map of the known universe, using DESI to capture 47 million galaxies and quasars over five years
It is the largest map of the known universe ever produced(Image: PA)
A group of Scottish researchers have contributed to the creation of what they believe is the largest map of the known universe ever produced.
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (Desi), was utilised by scientists from the University of St Andrews, in collaboration with leading researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and other teams from 70 institutions worldwide.
Based at the Mayall telescope in Arizona, Desi collects observations of millions of galaxies and quasars. Over a five-year period, Desi created a high-resolution, 3D map of the cosmos, with the aim of investigating dark energy, which scientists theorise constitutes the majority of the universe.
Launched in May 2021, the experiment set out to capture light from 34 million galaxies and quasars.
However, the researchers managed to exceed their target, with 47 million galaxies and quasars and 20 million stars contributing to the 3D map.
Rita Tojeiro, professor of Astronomy at the University of St Andrews, said: “There is no doubt of the huge impact that Desi is having on cosmology.
“What is also fantastic about Desi, in addition to being a revolutionary cosmology survey, is that this new, three-dimensional map is enabling world-class legacy science.
“Each of the 47 million galaxies and quasars that Desi observed tells a unique story.
“We can collect these individual stories to reveal the overarching narratives of how galaxies form and evolve through cosmic time.
“Because Desi is revealing the three-dimensional cosmic web in which galaxies live with unprecedented detail, we can now study how galaxies respond to cosmic structures around them in ways that have not been possible before.”
Scientists will now seek to gain a deeper understanding of dark energy and dark matter, which experts believe makes up the majority of matter in the universe, yet has never been physically detected.
Professor Tojeiro added: “I have been waiting for over 10 years for this cosmic map.
“Now it is here and we are lucky enough to extend it and make it even better.
“The level of detail is incredible, and the map is so rich with information. We will be exploring it for 10 years to come.”
