I'm calling it – 2026 is going to be the year of the galaxy

image via New Scientist

January 7, 2026, 6:00 PM

• •2026 marks a significant year for galaxy research with the launch of new telescopes.
• •Galaxy shape classification is crucial for understanding galactic evolution and history.
• •The Vera C. Rubin Observatory and Roman Space Telescope will study dwarf spheroidals and dark energy, respectively.
• •Scientists are planning to combine data from both telescopes for comprehensive galactic analysis.

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein anticipates a surge of new galaxy data in 2026 due to the launch of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will study galaxy shapes and behavior. Despite an initial lack of interest in galaxies, the author now recognizes the significance of galaxy shape classification as an indicator of their evolutionary history, including the study of dark matter and dark energy. The new data from Rubin and Roman will allow scientists to analyze patterns in galaxy formation and the influence of dark matter and potentially provide insights into dark energy's role in the universe's expansion. This upcoming data is expected to revolutionize our understanding of galaxies.

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