ESA releases 1.7-petabyte Euclid dataset mapping over 900 million galaxies
The European Space Agency has published its largest Euclid telescope dataset to date, comprising 1.7 petabytes of observations covering more than 900 million galaxies across a sky area roughly 9,500 times the size of the moon as seen from Earth. The release includes over a year of observations but represents only 14% of the sky Euclid plans to survey over its six-year mission, which launched in 2023.
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ESA project scientist Valeria Pettorino says the mission aims to build a three-dimensional map of galaxy positions across 10 billion years, which could help reveal how dark matter and dark energy have shaped the cosmic web of galaxy clusters and voids over time. The full survey, due for completion in 2031, is intended to yield the first major results on dark energy and dark matter next year, which would mark a significant step in understanding the universe's large-scale structure.
- Euclid's new dataset covers 1.7 petabytes and over 900 million galaxies, spanning about 14% of its planned total sky survey.
- The mission measures galaxies' distances as well as positions, creating a 3D map stretching back roughly 10 billion years.
- Initial findings on dark energy and dark matter are expected with the next data release, planned for next year.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope — If the Euclid mission's cosmic galaxy maps have you curious about what's actually visible from your own backyard, the Celestron NexStar 8SE lets you explore the night sky with computerized tracking of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. It's a great gateway into amateur astronomy for anyone inspired by deep-space discoveries like Euclid's. Perfect for sparking a lifelong fascination with the universe's structure and scale.
See Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: science.slashdot.org, 2026-11-13
Published there as: “Euclid Mission Data Release Spans More Than 900 Million Galaxies”
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