An international team of scientists has created the most detailed 3D map of the universe. In seven months, their Dark Energy Spectroscopy (DESI) broke all records for 3D galaxy exploration. Durham University-made parts use 5,000 optical fibers to widen the telescope's field of view.

Professor Carlos Frank of the Institute of Computational Cosmology says DESI data will "help unravel the deepest mysteries of the universe." He said, “This will help us find clues about the nature of dark energy.

"We will also learn more about dark matter and its role in how galaxies such as the Milky Way formed and the universe evolved." Fiber optic systems separate the light of bright galaxies known as galaxies, stars, and quasars into narrow bands of color.

This shows their chemical makeup, how far and how fast they travel, allowing researchers to estimate how and how quickly the universe expanded. The final 3D map will give scientists a better understanding of the expanding dark energy that makes up 70% of the universe. DESI is generating data from 11 billion years ago that could illuminate the early universe.

Victoria Fossett, a researcher at Durham University's Center for Extragalactic Astronomy, says DESI is receiving objects that are much darker and redder than previously detected. She said that "We are looking for quite a few exotic systems, including large specimens of rare objects that have not been previously studied in detail."

Scientists are also using the data to understand the behavior of medium-sized black holes in small galaxies. The DESI has already cataloged over 7.5 million galaxies, with 27.5 million expected to be added by the end of the 2026 cycle. Collaboration run by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA.