Largest-Ever 3D Map of Universe Produced by U.S. Scientists

DESI instrument completes 5-year mission to map dark energy and expansion of cosmos

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones depicting the large-scale structure of the observable universe through sweeping geometric forms and precise astronomical spirals, conveying the complexity and grandeur of the cosmos.The DESI 3D map provides an unprecedented view of the cosmic web, offering new insights into the role of dark energy in the expansion of the universe.Los Angeles Today

The United States' Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has completed a five-year mission to produce the largest high-resolution 3D map of the universe ever made. The map is aimed at studying dark energy and the expansion history of the cosmos.

Why it matters

Understanding dark energy and the expansion of the universe are key goals of modern cosmology. The unprecedented scale and resolution of the DESI 3D map will provide invaluable data to help scientists better model the structure and evolution of the universe.

The details

DESI, operated by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, used a 4-meter telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona to collect light from over 35 million galaxies and quasars. This data was then used to construct the largest and most detailed 3D map of the observable universe to date.

  • DESI began its 5-year mapping mission in 2021.
  • The project was completed and the final map released on April 15, 2026.

The players

Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)

A scientific instrument operated by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to map the large-scale structure of the universe and study dark energy.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Berkeley, California that conducts scientific research, including the DESI project.

Kitt Peak National Observatory

An astronomical observatory located on Iolkam Du'ag (Kitt Peak) in the Quinlan Mountains of southern Arizona, which hosted the 4-meter telescope used by DESI.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This map will transform our understanding of the universe's expansion and the role of dark energy.”

— Natalie Roe, Director, Physics Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

What’s next

Scientists will now begin analyzing the DESI 3D map data to gain new insights into the nature of dark energy and the history of cosmic expansion.

The takeaway

The unprecedented scale and resolution of the DESI 3D map of the universe represents a major milestone in our efforts to unravel the mysteries of dark energy and the evolution of the cosmos.