Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)

home

Main Content

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) will measure the effect of dark energy on the expansion of the universe. It will obtain optical spectra for tens of millions of galaxies and quasars, constructing a 3D map spanning the nearby universe to 11 billion light years.

The DESI Survey will be conducted on the Mayall 4-meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory starting in 2019. DESI is supported by the Department of Energy Office of Science to perform this Stage IV dark energy measurement using baryon acoustic oscillations and other techniques that rely on spectroscopic measurements.

Highlights

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hunting the Oxygen Doublet in Distant Galaxies

By: John Moustakas 
In its quest to uncover the mysteries of dark energy, DESI will measure precise redshifts for more than 15 million emission-line galaxies or “ELGs.”  Although they are incredibly distant and faint, DESI will take advantage of a distinctive feature in the light emitted by these galaxies—a feature called the “oxygen two doublet”, represented by the symbol “[OII].” [Read More…] 

Now Complete, Telescope Instrument is Poised to Begin Its Search for Answers About Dark Energy

– Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 6/1/2020

DESI Opens Its 5,000 Eyes to Capture the Colors of the Cosmos
 – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 10/28/2019

Dark Energy Instrument’s Lenses See the Night Sky for the First Time
 – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 4/3/2019

VIDEO: 5,000 Robots Merge to Map the Universe in 3D
 – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 10/17/2018