Story perspectives

DESI Completes 3D Universe Map, Reveals 47 Million Galaxies

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) completed its five-year mission, creating the largest 3D map of the universe and capturing over 47 million galaxies and quasars.
The map covers 14,000 square degrees and is planned to expand to 17,000.
Researchers will analyze the data over the next year to examine dark energy’s apparent weakening.
The DESI collaboration includes over 900 scientists across 14 countries, despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Story summary

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) completed its five-year mission, creating the largest 3D map of the universe and capturing over 47 million galaxies and quasars.
The map covers 14,000 square degrees and is planned to expand to 17,000.
Researchers will analyze the data over the next year to examine dark energy’s apparent weakening.
The DESI collaboration includes over 900 scientists across 14 countries, despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.