“Cosmic Revelation: Unveiling the Vastness with the Largest X-ray Map of the Universe”
In a monumental stride for astronomy, astronomers have presented humanity with an awe-inspiring glimpse into the cosmos – the largest and most intricate X-ray map of the universe ever crafted. Revealed on January 31, this cosmic tapestry unfolds an X-ray panorama spanning half the sky above Earth, capturing the radiance of nearly a million high-energy celestial sources, including an astonishing 700,000 supermassive black holes.
The maiden eRosita All-Sky Survey Catalogue (eRASS1) stands as a milestone, boasting the distinction of being the most extensive collection of X-ray sources ever documented. With around 900,000 individual sources meticulously cataloged, this achievement signifies a leap forward in our understanding of the cosmic wonders that surround us.
This extraordinary feat is credited to the soft eRosita X-ray imaging telescope, gracefully navigating the cosmos aboard the Spectrum-RG (SRG) satellite. Aptly named the “eROSITA All-Sky Survey Catalogue (eRASS1),” the unveiling of this celestial atlas offers a groundbreaking perspective on the cosmic ballet.
Published in the esteemed journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, these catalogues represent the initial data release (DR1) of the SRG/eROSITA all-sky survey. The eROSITA telescope embarked on its sky-surveying odyssey in December 2019, with a mission to craft all-encompassing X-ray source lists and unparalleled sky maps. The result: nearly 930,000 celestial entries, each a testament to the staggering diversity and richness of the cosmos.
The telescope’s meticulous observations detected an unprecedented 170 million X-ray photons, setting a record for the depth and detail achieved in cosmic imaging. This groundbreaking endeavor not only expands our cosmic knowledge but also serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of understanding the mysteries that reside in the vast expanses beyond our earthly realm.
As we marvel at the intricate dance of high-energy cosmic entities unveiled in this celestial cartography, the eRASS1 catalog stands as a beacon, illuminating the boundless wonders awaiting discovery in the vast cosmic tapestry above.**
