A new map made with data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) shows the cosmic web in greater detail than before. The work traces the network of galaxies across 13.7 billion years and reaches back to when the universe was one billion years old.
The map comes from the COSMOS-Web survey, the largest JWST observing program. The survey covers a patch of sky about the size of three full Moons. Since JWST's launch in 2021, its infrared instruments have helped astronomers find faint, distant galaxies and measure their distances more precisely.
The team released maps, a data pipeline and a video so other scientists can study how galaxies grow inside filaments and clusters over time.
Difficult words
- cosmic web — large network of galaxies and matter in space
- trace — follow or show the path of somethingtraces
- survey — large scientific study or observation program
- infrared — light with longer wavelengths than visible light
- filament — long thin structure that connects galaxiesfilaments
- cluster — group of galaxies close together in spaceclusters
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think scientists share maps and data with other scientists?
- The survey covers a patch of sky the size of three full Moons. Do you think that is large or small? Why?
- Why do astronomers want to measure galaxy distances more precisely?
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