Experience the Milky Way via 46 billion pixels

In summary, the 46 billion pixel image of the Milky Way was created by combining data from multiple telescopes, including the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite. This high resolution image allows us to study the structure and composition of our galaxy in great detail, including the distribution of stars and the presence of dark matter. It took a total of six years to capture and assemble this image, with data collected over five years and an additional year for processing and stitching. This image is the highest resolution and most detailed image of the Milky Way to date, leading to new discoveries such as a previously unknown group of stars and a new spiral arm structure.
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  • #2
It would be nice if it was searchable but it's still very impressive.
 
  • #3
That comes next when we need to navigate with warp driven ships.
 
  • #4
Some related work is shown in this documentary:



It looks like there may be an iPad app for it too although I don't know its name. (shown at around 6:30 into the video)

EDIT: I found the app:

http://www.skysurvey.org/story/
 

FAQ: Experience the Milky Way via 46 billion pixels

1. How was the 46 billion pixel image of the Milky Way created?

The image was created by combining data from multiple telescopes, including the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, to create a comprehensive view of our galaxy.

2. What can we learn from this high resolution image of the Milky Way?

This image allows us to study the structure and composition of our galaxy in great detail, including the distribution of stars and the presence of dark matter.

3. How long did it take to capture and assemble this image?

The data used to create this image was collected over a period of five years, and it took an additional year to process and stitch together the 46 billion pixels.

4. How does this image compare to previous images of the Milky Way?

This image is the highest resolution and most detailed image of the Milky Way to date, providing a much more complete and accurate view of our galaxy.

5. What new discoveries have been made using this image of the Milky Way?

Scientists have been able to identify new structures and features within the Milky Way, such as a previously unknown group of stars and a new spiral arm structure.

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