Largest-ever 3D map of universe created, offers new clues on dark energy

Scientists have created the largest three-dimensional map of the universe to date, offering fresh insights into the nature of dark energy and the evolution of the cosmos.

The breakthrough comes from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, which has completed a five-year survey mapping hundreds of millions of galaxies and quasars spanning more than 11 billion years of cosmic history.

Using the 4-meter Mayall Telescope in Kitt Peak, the project collected data on over 47 million galaxies and quasars, along with 20 million stars. This makes it several times larger than any previous 3D cosmic survey, marking a major step forward in cosmology research.

The instrument uses robotic fibre-optic positioners to measure redshifts, allowing scientists to determine distances and build a detailed map of how the universe has expanded over time.

Early findings from the data suggest that dark energy, the force believed to be driving the accelerating expansion of the universe, may not be constant. This challenges the long-held idea of a fixed “cosmological constant” and could have major implications for fundamental physics if confirmed.

Researchers say the dataset will help study both dark energy and dark matter, offering a deeper understanding of the universe’s past and possible future.

Further analysis is ongoing, with more detailed findings expected to be published in 2027.