Scientists reveal huge universe map

Share to Google Classroom

Scientists have unveiled the largest ever map of the Universe, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope, which launched on Christmas Day in 2021, has helped experts study galaxies, stars and planets. The new map shows nearly 800,000 galaxies across 13.5 billion years of space history.

The map was created by the Cosmic Evolution Survey collaboration, known as COSMOS. Scientists used 255 hours of information collected by the telescope to build it. The map covers a part of the sky about three times the size of the Moon.

The James Webb Space Telescope can see very faint light from objects that are extremely far away. This means it can spot galaxies that are billions of years old. Some galaxies and stars included in the map are 13.5 billion years old.

The data had existed for some time, but experts needed a supercomputer to help understand it. Over two years, international scientists worked together to turn the information into an interactive map. The map will help researchers learn more about how the Universe has changed since its beginning.

How did this story make you feel?

Did You Know?

How many galaxies are shown on the new universe map?
The new universe map shows nearly 800,000 galaxies!

Vocabulary

Click on the words in the article. See if you can find them all.
  • galaxy A huge group of stars, gas, and dust in space. The Milky Way is the galaxy we live in.
  • telescope A tool that helps us see faraway objects in space. Astronomers use telescopes to study stars and planets.
  • interactive Something that allows you to take part or engage with it. The interactive map lets users explore different galaxies.
  • Thinking Question

    How do you think this map will help scientists in the future?