44 million Milky Way stars glimmer in galaxy's largest 3D map

The Gaia space observatory helped astronomers chart 4,000 light-years worth of our home galaxy. Against a black cosmic backdrop, countless white stars sparkle like scattered diamonds. Parts of the Milky Way's spiral arms are visible at the top of the image. Wisps of reddish-pink nebulas drift across the scene, forming delicate tendrils and cloud-like structures. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. A new 3D map can take you 4,000 light years from the sun-without leaving Earth.