Mapping the Milky Way

European researchers with Crete's Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) Institute of Astrophysics involved, are pioneering the first 3D map of the Milky Way with the mw-atlas project.

Backed by a €10 million European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant, the goal is to create a comprehensive Google Maps for our galaxy, visualizing stars, dust, gas, and dark matter to understand their dynamic interactions. Project leads include Dr Vasiliki Pavlidou from FORTH, Dr Torsten Ensslin of the Max Planck Institute, and Professor Philipp Mertsch of RWTH Aachen. 

The aim is to clarify the structure and "metabolism" of our galaxy and open new avenues for research.