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Largest 3D Map of Universe Reveals 47 Million Galaxies, Challenges Dark Energy Theories

Largest 3D Map of Universe Reveals 47 Million Galaxies, Challenges Dark Energy Theories

From Ta Nea · (21m ago) Greek Positive tone

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Astronomers have created the largest 3D map of the universe, charting the positions of over 47 million galaxies using data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI).
  • The map provides crucial insights into the universe's structure and evolution over 11 billion years, particularly the influence of dark energy.
  • DESI has exceeded its initial goals, measuring cosmological data for six times more galaxies than all previous surveys combined, making it the most productive instrument of its kind.

An international team of astronomers has unveiled the most extensive and detailed 3D map of the universe to date, a monumental achievement powered by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). This groundbreaking map meticulously charts the locations of over 47 million galaxies, offering an unprecedented view into the cosmos's structure and evolution across 11 billion years of cosmic history.

Είναι αδύνατο να καταγράψουμε με λεπτομέρεια όλα όσα χρειάστηκαν για να γίνει το DESI ένα τόσο επιτυχημένο πείραμα... Τελικά, όλο αυτό γίνεται για ολόκληρη την ανθρωπότητα, για να κατανοήσουμε καλύτερα το Σύμπαν μας και την τελική του μοίρα.

— Δρ. Στέφανι ΤζούνοDr. Stephanie Junos, a member of the research team, emphasized the collaborative effort behind DESI's success and its ultimate goal of benefiting humanity's understanding of the universe.

The significance of this endeavor lies in its ability to precisely measure the influence of dark energy, a mysterious force driving the universe's accelerated expansion. By comparing the distribution of galaxies in the past with their current positions, scientists can quantify dark energy's impact over vast timescales. DESI's performance has been nothing short of spectacular, surpassing its initial targets by collecting light from 47 million galaxies and quasars, far exceeding the 34 million originally planned for its five-year mission.

This remarkable output positions DESI as the most productive instrument of its kind, having measured cosmological data for six times more galaxies and quasars than all prior surveys combined. The implications for cosmology are profound, promising to reshape our understanding of the universe's fundamental workings. As Dr. Stephanie Junos, a member of the research team, stated, "It is impossible to record in detail everything that was needed to make DESI such a successful experiment... Ultimately, all this is done for all of humanity, to better understand our universe and its ultimate fate."

Η πενταετής έρευνα του DESI ήταν θεαματικά επιτυχημένη. Το όργανο απέδωσε καλύτερα από το αναμενόμενο. Τα αποτελέσματα ήταν απίστευτα συναρπαστικά. Και το μέγεθος και το εύρος του χάρτη, καθώς και το πόσο γρήγορα καταφέραμε να τον δημιουργήσουμε, είναι εκπληκτικά επιτεύγματα.

— Δρ. Μάικλ ΛέβιProject Director Dr. Michael Levy described the five-year DESI survey as 'spectacularly successful,' noting that the instrument performed beyond expectations and highlighting the impressive scale and speed of the map's creation.

From a Greek perspective, as reported by Ta Nea, this scientific breakthrough represents a triumph of human curiosity and collaborative effort. While the technical details might seem abstract, the quest to understand our universe resonates deeply. The sheer scale of the undertaking and the rapid creation of such a comprehensive map are testaments to scientific ingenuity. The anticipation for the first results on dark energy, expected in 2027, highlights the ongoing nature of discovery and the potential for further revelations about our place in the cosmos. This story is not just about galaxies; it's about humanity's enduring drive to explore and comprehend the vast unknown.

αφού γιορτάσουμε την ολοκλήρωση της αρχικής έρευνας, θα ξεκινήσουμε την επεξεργασία των δεδομένων, επειδή είμαστε όλοι περίεργοι να μάθουμε ποιες νέες εκπλήξεις μας περιμένουν.

— Δρ. Μάικλ ΛέβιDr. Michael Levy expressed eagerness to begin processing the data after celebrating the survey's completion, indicating the team's curiosity about future discoveries.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.