The Dark Energy Spectroscopy Instrument (DESI) has completed its five-year mission to create the largest 3D map of the universe, cataloging over 47 million galaxies and quasars, and more than 20 million nearby stars. Based at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, DESI has collected data equivalent to six times all previous measurements combined, spanning 11 billion years of cosmic history.
The team, led by Adam Myers from the University of Wyoming, expressed pride in this achievement and is eager to analyze the extensive dataset. Preliminary findings suggest that dark energy, which comprises about 68.7% of the universe, may change over time, challenging traditional models. Although scientists haven’t fully processed the data, they plan to study it rigorously to uncover new insights about dark energy and cosmic evolution.
Each night, DESI captures detailed images using 5,000 fiber-optic “eyes,” generating around 80 gigabytes of data. The instrument will continue to survey the sky until 2028, with hopes of addressing additional cosmic mysteries beyond dark energy. Myers remarked on the broad implications of the findings, asserting that DESI’s capabilities extend far beyond initial expectations, leading to exciting future discoveries.
Source link
