Astronomers have created the most complete 3D map of our local universe to date, which took 10 years to create, by scanning the complete night sky in near-infrared light and using data from the Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) Redshift Survey (2MRS).
The detailed map of our Universe shows all the visible structures out to about 380 million light-years, which includes about 45,000 of our neighboring galaxies, as the diameter of the Milky Way is around 100,000 light-years across. This monumental achievement provides an unprecedented view of the cosmos, allowing scientists to study the distribution and properties of galaxies in our local universe with greater accuracy.
The Technology Behind the 3D Map
Two ground-based telescopes were used for the project: the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory on Mt. Hopkins, Ariz., and the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. These telescopes were instrumental in capturing the near-infrared light from distant galaxies, which is crucial for penetrating the dust and gas that often obscure visible light observations. Near-infrared light allows astronomers to see through these obstructions and obtain a clearer view of the universe’s structure.
The 2MASS Redshift Survey (2MRS) played a pivotal role in this project. By measuring the redshift of galaxies, astronomers can determine their distance from Earth. Redshift occurs because the universe is expanding, causing the light from distant galaxies to stretch and shift towards the red end of the spectrum. By analyzing this redshift, scientists can map the three-dimensional positions of galaxies and create a comprehensive view of the local universe.
Implications and Future Research
The creation of this 3D map has significant implications for our understanding of the universe. It allows astronomers to study the large-scale structure of the cosmos, including the distribution of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and superclusters. This information is crucial for testing theories of cosmology and understanding the underlying forces that shape the universe.
For example, the map can help scientists investigate the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that make up a significant portion of the universe’s mass and energy. By studying the distribution of galaxies, researchers can infer the presence of dark matter, which does not emit light but exerts gravitational forces on visible matter. Similarly, the map can provide insights into the effects of dark energy, which is believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe.
Furthermore, this 3D map serves as a valuable resource for future astronomical research. It provides a reference point for studying the evolution of galaxies over time and understanding the processes that drive their formation and growth. By comparing the local universe to more distant regions, astronomers can trace the history of cosmic structures and gain insights into the early stages of the universe.
To see the full 3D Map of our Universe, jump over to the Space.com website and click on the link 2 paragraphs down. Enjoy!
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