Univ. of Arizona working on 3-D universe map
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Several University of Arizona scientists are taking part in creating the largest ever 3-D map of the universe.
Astronomy professor Xiaohui Fan said the map, called the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, will help astronomers explain the dark matter and energy of the universe.
"We're continuing to go deeper into space, so, for example, this time we're mapping things that are [farther] away and also mapping more area of the sky," he said. "For example, the map only covers about one-tenth of the whole sky."
Fan said the group constructing the map is considering mapping more detailed points and expanding the map after this project is finished.
The goal of the project, being undertaken by 30 universities worldwide, is to map the history of the universe over the last six billion years.
The map is expected to be completed in 2014 and all the data used is being uploaded to a website.
Martha Maurer, News Editor
