Astronomers have released an enormous infrared map of the Milky Way, featuring over 1.5 billion objects, through the use of ESO’s VISTA telescope. This groundbreaking project was led by astrophysicist Dante Minniti, unveiling hidden corners of our galaxy by spotting newborn stars to cold brown dwarfs and free-floating planets. The data, equivalent to 8600 full moons in size, has opened new doors to understanding the inner workings of the Milky Way. The extensive research, part of the VVV and VVVX surveys, marks a pivotal moment in astronomical exploration, promising further revelations for years to come.
https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2413/