Finding something worth knowing…

Space

How astronomers use 3D datacubes to map the deepest reaches of our universe

The MUSE instrument on the Very Large Telescope has captured the most detailed three-dimensional view of the deep universe to date. This video explains how researchers interpret these complex datacubes to uncover galaxies and objects previously hidden from our view.

By focusing on the Hubble Deep Field South region for 27 hours, the MUSE instrument has provided astronomers with unprecedented data regarding the distances, motions, and physical properties of numerous galaxies. These observations surpass previous efforts by revealing a wealth of previously unseen celestial objects within this small patch of the sky.

The video details the significance of these 3D observations and demonstrates the methods astronomers employ to analyze the resulting datacubes. This work represents a major advancement in our ability to map and understand the distant universe.

Source: ESOcast 72: Looking Deeply into the Universe in 3D

More in Space · All topics