Key Takeaways
1. Researchers in the U.S. have created a detailed interactive map for exploring galaxies and stars from home.
2. The concept of sky mapping dates back to the 2018 Gaia mission by the European Space Agency, which mapped billions of stars and asteroids.
3. Caltech’s COSMOS-Web project has produced the largest interactive sky map to date, accessible to both scientists and amateurs.
4. The map incorporates 1.5 TB of data from the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing galaxies up to 13 billion light-years away.
5. Users can easily navigate the map, similar to Google Earth, with filters available for a customized viewing experience.
Observing the night sky filled with stars is something that many people around the globe love to do. However, this activity can become quite limited without the right tools like telescopes, binoculars, or astronomical glasses.
Exciting Developments in Astronomy
Luckily, there’s some great news! Researchers in the United States have created the most detailed interactive map that lets you explore galaxies and stars right from your home. This map also provides information about celestial objects that pique your interest, enabling you to expand your knowledge.
A Brief History of Sky Mapping
This type of map isn’t entirely new, as it has existed since 2018. Back then, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a massive and intricate map during the Gaia mission. This map displayed the Milky Way, showcasing billions of stars, with some located 1.5 million kilometers away from our planet. Additionally, it included 14,000 asteroids that orbit our solar system.
A New Frontier in Interactive Mapping
Recently, under the COSMOS-Web project, Caltech in the United States has accomplished an impressive feat by producing the largest interactive sky map to date. This innovative tool is designed not just for scientists but also for amateurs and anyone curious about the universe.
To create this remarkable resource, researchers utilized data from the James Webb Space Telescope, which is reshaping how we observe and understand the cosmos. A staggering 1.5 TB of data has been integrated into this map, resulting in a stunning visual experience. While it covers only 0.54 square degrees of the night sky, you can view hundreds of galaxies, some of which are an astonishing 13 billion light-years away, dating back to the universe’s beginnings.
Using this map is as simple as navigating Google Earth or Google Maps. There are also filters available that let you show or hide different elements for a tailored experience.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply