A Paradigm Shift in Astronomy!

Big news in the cosmic community! The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has just revealed that the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration will receive the prestigious 2026 Lancelot M. Berkeley-New York Community Trust Prize for Meritorious Work in Astronomy.

Who’s Behind This Cosmic Adventure?

With a team of over 750 researchers hailing from more than 70 institutions globally, DESI is making astronomical waves by crafting the most extensive 3D map of the universe. This groundbreaking work allows scientists to delve into the enigmatic effects of dark energy across cosmic time.

A Stellar Publication and Key Contributors!

Recently, DESI published significant findings, reflecting on three years of operations where they analyzed over 14 million galaxies and quasars, challenging existing cosmological models. Leading the charge from UC Santa Cruz are renowned professors Alexie Leauthaud-Harnett, Connie Rockosi, and J. Xavier Prochaska, all part of the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics. Leauthaud, who serves as a co-spokesperson for the DESI collaboration, praised the team’s incredible success, noting the potential paradigm-shifting results concerning dark energy.

Where the Action Happens!

Positioned at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, DESI is equipped with cutting-edge technology that captures light from an astonishing 5,000 galaxies at once. Supported by funding from the DOE Office of Science, this formidable collaboration is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Dark Energy!

The core mission of DESI is to pinpoint potential models for dark energy—the elusive force believed to dominate the universe’s mass-energy. Over five years, the team has successfully mapped the locations of galaxies and quasars stretching back 11 billion light years, unlocking profound insights into the cosmos.

Transformative Achievements Recognized!

In an announcement on August 26, AAS Senior Vice President Dawn Gelino hailed DESI’s groundbreaking achievements. "DESI’s record-breaking map of the universe is reshaping our perception of dark energy and the cosmos itself," she stated. "This prize honors a monumental collaborative effort that will influence cosmological models for years to come."