DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

Scientists create largest-ever map of the universe's magnetic fields

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Scientists have created the largest-ever map of cosmic magnetic fields, revealing an invisible cosmic web crucial for galaxy evolution.
  • The map, five times larger than previous ones, was generated using data from the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope.
  • This detailed mapping allows for unprecedented study of the energy distribution in the universe and helps answer fundamental questions about magnetic fields' origins and influence.

An international team of scientists has unveiled the most extensive map of cosmic magnetic fields ever created, offering unprecedented insights into the invisible structures that shape the universe. Dubbed SPICE-RACS, the map is five times larger than its predecessors and was compiled using data from the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope in Western Australia.

The project, led by researchers from CSIRO and the SKA Observatory (SKAO), utilized observations to measure how light changes when passing through cosmic magnetic fields, a phenomenon known as rotation measure. This technique allowed scientists to map the location and relative strength of magnetic fields across vast cosmic distances. "For the first time, we can study in detail the matter that lies between the nearest stars while also examining millions of distant galaxies," said lead researcher Alec Thomson.

For the first time, we can study in detail the matter that lies between the nearest stars while also examining millions of distant galaxies.

— Alec ThomsonLead researcher, explaining the unprecedented detail provided by the new cosmic magnetic field map.

This detailed view of the universe's magnetic web is vital for understanding galaxy formation and evolution over billions of years. Magnetic fields play a significant role in the movement of interstellar matter and the overall development of the cosmos since its early stages. "The new map opens up opportunities to answer a number of major questions that have so far remained unsolved," stated Naomi McClure-Griffiths, Head Scientist at SKAO.

Scientists are particularly interested in how these magnetic fields influence interactions between the Milky Way and its neighboring galaxies, and when magnetic fields first emerged in the universe. The SPICE-RACS map represents a significant leap forward, moving beyond the limitations of previous datasets that were relatively static and did not fully cover the southern sky. This new resource promises to deepen our understanding of the universe's fundamental forces.

The new map opens up opportunities to answer a number of major questions that have so far remained unsolved.

— Naomi McClure-GriffithsHead Scientist at SKAO, highlighting the scientific potential of the SPICE-RACS map.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog