Astronomers release largest high-resolution 3D map of the universe

The DESI Collaboration completed a five-year survey and published a high-resolution 3D map after recording more than 47 million galaxies and quasars and about 20 million nearby stars, covering roughly 11 billion years of cosmic history.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopy Instrument (DESI) has finished a five-year survey and the collaboration published the final results of its first survey run as a high-resolution 3D map of the universe. The instrument, based at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, recorded more than 47 million galaxies and quasars plus about 20 million nearby stars while spanning roughly 11 billion years of cosmic history. DESI collected data using 5,000 fiber-optic units and ten spectrographs, producing about 80 gigabytes of data each night and repeatedly revisiting the same sky areas to build a detailed footprint of faint objects. Earlier analyses from the first three years had suggested dark energy might change over time; the full dataset is now available for broader study. Key details: - The DESI Collaboration published the final results from its initial five-year survey run. - The survey recorded over 47 million galaxies and quasars and roughly 20 million nearby stars. - The map covers about 11 billion years of cosmic history and roughly two-thirds of the northern sky. - DESI operates from Kitt Peak with 5,000 fiber-optic units, ten spectrographs, and collected about 80 GB per night. - Preliminary analyses in 2025 indicated a possible change in dark energy over time; the full dataset will allow more complete testing of that result. - DESI will continue surveying through about 2028 to revisit areas and extend coverage. Summary: The final DESI dataset provides a vastly larger and higher-resolution view of large-scale structure than prior surveys and opens opportunities to test how dark energy and other cosmic components behave. Scientists report that data processing and investigations are already underway, and DESI will keep observing and expanding its footprint through roughly 2028.