This cosmic map of magnetic fields could help illuminate one of the universe’s most mysterious forces
A new cosmic map of magnetic fields has been created by the CSIRO using its ASKAP radio telescope. This map, the largest ever produced, allows scientists to explore fundamental questions about the universe's magnetic structures. The data, which is five times larger than previous datasets, is now available to researchers worldwide.
- ▪The CSIRO led a global team to chart magnetic fields by measuring light from nearly 4 million galaxies.
- ▪The map, named SPICE_RACS, was made possible by the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder telescope.
- ▪This dataset is five times larger and more detailed than previous efforts, enabling better understanding of the universe's magnetic structures.
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| Original publisher | the Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/04/space-universe-science-cosmic-map-of-magnetic-fields |
| Publication time | Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:30:56 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-06-04T07:17:39.907Z |
| Last seen | 2026-06-04T07:17:39.907Z |
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| Summary | WeSearch · cerebras-chat (WeSearch summarizer) |
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The CSIRO used its ASKAP radio telescope to map magnetic fields, illustrated in red (pointing towards Earth) and blue (pointing away). Photograph: CSIRO/Alec Thomson et al./Alex Cherney/Sam MoorfieldView image in fullscreenThe CSIRO used its ASKAP radio telescope to map magnetic fields, illustrated in red (pointing towards Earth) and blue (pointing away). Photograph: CSIRO/Alec Thomson et al./Alex Cherney/Sam MoorfieldAustralian climate and environment in focusCSIROHow this cosmic map of magnetic fields could help illuminate one of the universe’s most mysterious forcesLight from nearly 4m galaxies measured as it twisted and travelled through intergalactic space Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Supported…
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