Researchers from CSIRO and the SKA Observatory have produced the most detailed, expansive map of intergalactic magnetism to date, capturing data from nearly four million galaxies and opening new frontiers in understanding cosmic magnetic fields.
- Largest magnetic survey covers nearly four million galaxies
- Data helps trace magnetic influence on intergalactic energy and matter
- Open access resource for global scientific research and discovery
What happened
Scientists from Australia’s CSIRO and the SKA Observatory have developed the most comprehensive magnetic map of the Universe ever produced. Using the ASKAP radio telescope in Western Australia, they measured the twisting of light passing through magnetic fields, enabling them to locate and gauge these invisible forces over an area more than five times larger than earlier studies combined.
This new mapping, part of the Rapid ASKAP Continuum Surveys (RACS), includes rotation measurements from nearly four million galaxies. It follows on from a record-breaking radio sky survey conducted in 2020, expanding our view of cosmic magnetism with unprecedented detail that spans nearby stars to distant galaxies.
Why it feels good
Magnetic fields are an invisible but crucial part of cosmic processes, influencing everything from planetary habitability to galaxy interactions. This fresh image of the Universe’s magnetic structures opens the door to resolving long-standing mysteries, such as when magnetic fields first appeared and how they impact the behavior of galaxies including the Milky Way and its neighbors.
The ability to see these forces in much greater detail underlines how advances in technology uncover new layers of understanding about the cosmos. It offers scientists a much clearer picture of the Universe’s dynamics and energy flow, empowering breakthroughs that were once thought impossible.
What to enjoy or watch next
The magnetic data collected has been made publicly available through CSIRO’s open access portal, inviting researchers worldwide to delve into the dataset for further discoveries. This collaborative approach is expected to accelerate scientific progress and foster innovative studies on cosmic magnetism.
Looking ahead, the international research team, known as the POSSUM collaboration, sees this map as just the start. Continued analysis and new observations promise to deepen our knowledge of universal magnetism and its role in shaping the cosmic landscape, with peer-reviewed findings soon expected to confirm these groundbreaking results.