The Digital Press

The COSMOS collaboration has released the largest-ever map of the universe using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, cataloging nearly 800,000 galaxies spanning 13.5 billion years. This extensive dataset challenges previous ideas about the early universe and is openly available to researchers worldwide.

Why it matters: The map reveals about 10 times more early galaxies than expected, reshaping our understanding of cosmic formation.

The big picture: Covering 98% of cosmic time, it offers insights into galaxy, star, and black hole formation within a vast cosmic context.

Quick takeaway: Public release democratizes science, enabling broad research participation, including by students, on fundamental cosmological questions.

Commenters say: Many highlight the groundbreaking scale and accessibility of the data, while some discuss the surprising abundance of early galaxies and its implications for cosmology.