{
  "id": 10325515,
  "title": "Even the best telescopes have blind spots. This fix can help us build better maps of the universe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/even-the-best-telescopes-have-blind-spots-this-fix-can-help-us-build",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T00:20:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/even-the-best-telescopes-have-blind-spots-this-fix-can-help-us-build-better-maps-of-the-universe-291878"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Even the most sophisticated telescopes have limitations that prevent them from capturing the entire picture of the universe. These telescopes, which have catalogued billions of stars and hundreds of billions of galaxies, as well as discovered thousands of planets, are capable of mapping the universe's evolution over time. However, there are objects that are too faint, too distant, or too crowded to study easily. While a simple picture of a galaxy may provide some insights into its story, it often misses the hidden limits of the telescope itself.\n\nThe DESI telescope, a modern example of such a telescope, uses thousands of tiny robots to position optical fibers that collect light from distant stars and galaxies. These robots are essential for the telescope's operations, but they also have physical constraints. They can collide with each other, cannot get too close without crashing, and can miss targets in crowded areas where galaxies are closely packed together. This can create blind spots in the data collected, leading to inaccurate maps of the universe.\n\nTo address this issue, researchers have developed a computer tool that models how these tiny robots work. This tool, described in a new paper published in the Astronomical Journal, can simulate how the robots move and position their optical fibers to study different targets. By testing various combinations of robot systems and astronomical targets, the tool can identify blind spots in the data and suggest improvements to the telescope's design.\n\nThe tool found three key rules to optimize the robot's performance. First, using a smaller pitch, or a higher density of fibers, improves the completeness and efficiency of the survey. Second, increasing the reach of the robot, or the distance it can move around its base, is the next best way to improve the survey. Finally, reducing the safety gap between the robots also helps prevent missed targets, but this has a smaller effect than adjusting the reach.\n\nThis computer tool can act as a testing ground for telescopes before they are built, allowing engineers to identify and address technology limits in instrument design. By using this tool, astronomers can create more accurate maps of the universe, taking into account not just the giant telescope mirrors, but also the smart computer tools that improve how much telescopes can actually see. Ultimately, mapping the entire universe will require a combination of advanced telescope technology and innovative computer algorithms.",
  "summary": "Sometimes, mapping the whole universe starts with getting thousands of tiny robots to move in exactly the right way.",
  "key_points": [
    "DESI telescope uses robots to position optical fibers for light collection",
    "Robots face physical constraints like collisions and crowded galaxy areas",
    "Computer tool models robot behavior to optimize telescope data collection"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}