Overview

• The map was produced using the VISTA telescope at the Paranal Observatory in Chile, capturing data from 2010 to 2023.
• Researchers collected 500 terabytes of data, covering an area equivalent to 8,600 full moons and showcasing nebulae, globular clusters, stars, and brown dwarfs.
• The infrared capability of VISTA’s VIRCAM instrument allowed scientists to see through dust and gas, revealing hidden regions of the Milky Way.
• Significant discoveries include a more accurate map of the galaxy's inner region and identification of fast-moving stars near the central supermassive black hole.
• The comprehensive dataset is expected to serve as a foundation for future scientific discoveries and is publicly available on the ESO website.