Peering Further Into the Universe: The 10th DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys Data Release
The latest data release from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys offers a new window into the depths of the universe.[0] The tenth data release focuses on integrating new imaging from DECam of the southern extragalactic sky, particularly in areas away from the Milky Way's disk.[1] This new data increases the Legacy Surveys' coverage to more than 20,000 square degrees, representing nearly 50% of the sky.[0]
The data is especially useful for calculating the redshifts of distant galaxies, or the amount of time it took light from those galaxies to reach Earth.[1] It also increases the size of the largest two-dimensional sky map, allowing astronomers to study the structure of the universe and unravel the properties of dark matter and dark energy.[2]
Not only scientists, but also astronomy enthusiasts and curious individuals, can now benefit from the Legacy Surveys.[0] The open-access data provides an opportunity to explore the universe around us.[0] The Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) also uses the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory, one of the largest in the world. HETDEX, as well as other projects like Dark Energy Explorers, enable volunteers to participate in astronomy using a smartphone or computer, helping to find distant galaxies and learn more about dark energy.
In the near future, it is expected that the Legacy Surveys will have the most complete map of the entire sky, providing a wealth of data for scientists and the public alike.[0]
0. “Universe teeming with galaxies in new two-dimensional map of the sky” Devdiscourse, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/2361667-universe-teeming-with-galaxies-in-new-two-dimensional-map-of-the-sky
1. “Over a Billion Galaxies Shine in New Sky Map” Gizmodo, 23 Feb. 2023, https://gizmodo.com/billion-galaxies-desi-sky-map-dark-energy-1850150754
2. “Amateur Astronomers Help Identify a Staggering 240,000 Galaxies” SciTechDaily, 14 Feb. 2023, https://scitechdaily.com/amateur-astronomers-help-identify-a-staggering-240000-galaxies
