Renowned astronomers utilizing the Dark Energy Spectrometer (DESI) at NSF’s Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope have generated the most extensive high-resolution 3D map of the universe. This groundbreaking work tracks over 47 million galaxies and quasars.
A segment of DESI’s fifth-year map showcases the universe’s large-scale structure influenced by gravity, where each point denotes a galaxy. High-density regions highlight galaxy clusters forming cosmic threads, with vast voids evident between filaments. Image credit: DESI Collaboration / Member Institutions / DOE / KPNO / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / R. Proctor / M. Zamani, NOIRLab at NSF.
Managed by Berkeley Lab and funded by the DOE Office of Science, DESI represents a comprehensive initiative to decode dark energy.
By comparing historical galaxy clustering with their contemporary distribution, researchers can trace dark energy’s impact over an 11 billion-year cosmic timeline.
Since commencing data collection in May 2021, DESI has surpassed its initial targets significantly.
Initially aiming to capture light from 34 million galaxies during a five-year sky survey, DESI has instead recorded more than 47 million galaxies, quasars, and 20 million stars.
Now, DESI boasts cosmological data on six times more galaxies and quasars than all prior measurements combined.
The collaboration is set to start processing the amassed dataset without delay, with the first dark energy findings from the complete five-year study anticipated in 2027.
In the interim, the DESI team is actively analyzing data from the first three years, enhancing dark energy measurements, yielding further insights into the universe’s structure and evolution, and intends to publish several papers later this year.
“Acknowledging the myriad factors contributing to DESI’s success is no simple task,” stated Dr. Stephanie Juneau, director of NSF’s NOIRLab DESI.
“This accomplishment was a collective effort—from instrument manufacturers and software engineers to technicians, observatory staff, and scientists, including numerous aspiring researchers.”
“Ultimately, our mission serves humanity, enhancing our comprehension of the universe and its ultimate destiny.”
“After uncovering indications that dark energy may deviate from its steady state, every new analysis feels like an exhilarating journey as we navigate these uncharted territories.”
“We are also eager to uncover other fascinating discoveries that this new dataset may reveal.”
“DESI has undoubtedly surpassed expectations, delivering an unparalleled 3D map of the universe that transforms our understanding of dark energy,” said Dr. Kathy Turner, Space Frontiers Program Manager at the Department of Energy’s Office of High Energy Physics.
“Our vision was to push the frontiers of cosmology, and it is immensely gratifying to see the survey completed ahead of schedule with such rich data.”
“The innovation and dedication of the entire DESI collaboration have made this leading-edge research a reality. We are immensely proud of the groundbreaking results we’ve presented and the untapped discoveries yet to come.”
“The past five years of DESI research have indeed been a tremendous achievement,” proclaimed Dr. Michael Levi, DESI director and Berkeley Lab scientist.
“The instruments performed beyond expectations, yielding astonishing results. The scale of the map and the speed of data gathering is remarkable.”
“We will celebrate the initial study’s completion, then delve deep into the data, eager for the surprises that lie ahead.”
Source: www.sci.news
