City scientists release years worth of data in bid to map out the universe

University of Portsmouth astronomers have released their first major data haul as part of the Dark Energy Survey (DES).

The information – collected over three years – provides an insight into more than 400 million objects, including galaxies billions of light years away.

It is now live online as a so-called ‘digital sky’ and will be used to help scientists learn more about dark energy – the force many believe causes the universe to grow.

Professor Bob Nichol, from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, said: ‘This is a proud day for all of us in DES.

‘After a decade of hard work we have produced one of the deepest, largest, and most detailed maps of our Cosmos.

‘It is a pleasure to share this with fellow astronomers and the public so they can participate in the joys of discovery like us.’

To view the DES data, visit: des.ncsa.illinois.edu/releases/dr1.