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Largest universal magnetic map unlocks new chapter of space research

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Scientists created the largest magnetic map of the universe ever produced, five times larger than all previous efforts combined.
  • The map, called SPICE-RACS, was made using the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope in Western Australia and helps measure magnetic field strength by observing how light twists.
  • This advancement allows researchers to study intergalactic material, distant galaxies, and the universe's evolution, potentially answering questions about the origin of magnetic fields.

An international team of researchers has unveiled the most extensive magnetic map of the universe to date, a groundbreaking achievement that promises to deepen our understanding of cosmic evolution and the nature of magnetic fields.

Dubbed SPICE-RACS, the map is an immense undertaking, five times larger than all prior magnetic mapping efforts combined. It was constructed using data from the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope in Western Australia, a facility renowned for its ability to observe vast swathes of the sky with exceptional depth.

For the past 20 years, we have been working with essentially the same data set, which didn't even cover the southern sky.

— Naomi McClure-GriffithsSKAO's Chief Scientist discussing the limitations of previous data sets compared to the new map.

The project, led by Australia's national science agency CSIRO and the SKA Observatory (SKAO), operates on a principle where magnetic fields twist light as it travels through space. By measuring these twists detected by the ASKAP telescope, researchers, including lead scientist Alec Thomson, determined the strength and presence of magnetic fields across nearly four million galaxies.

We can even potentially find the answer to questions like when did magnetic fields first appear in the universe.

— Naomi McClure-GriffithsSKAO's Chief Scientist highlighting the new map's potential to answer fundamental questions about the universe's origins.

"For the past 20 years, we have been working with essentially the same data set, which didn't even cover the southern sky," said Naomi McClure-Griffiths, SKAO's Chief Scientist. She highlighted SPICE-RACS as a monumental leap forward, enabling scientists to tackle questions previously considered beyond reach, including the universe's earliest magnetic fields.

The map is now accessible to scientists globally via CSIRO's data portal, fostering collaborative research. Astronomer Tim Galvin noted, "By having these resources freely available, we're supporting the continued advancement of our collective understanding of the universe." Future SKA telescopes, set to begin operations later this decade, are expected to provide even finer detail of the cosmic web.

By having these resources freely available, we're supporting the continued advancement of our collective understanding of the universe.

— Tim GalvinCSIRO astronomer on the importance of making the new cosmic map data accessible to global researchers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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