Ultra Deep Field: Looking Out into Space, Looking Back into Time

This six-minute visual exploration of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field showcases the characteristics and contents of this landmark observation, as well as its four-dimensional nature across both space and time. In particular, galaxies are seen to more than 12 billion light-years away / 12 billion years ago, allowing astronomers to trace the development of galaxies across cosmic time.

A deep field is a long exposure on a small field of view to observe the faintest objects possible. The Ultra Deep Field (UDF) represents the deepest visible light observation of the universe (deeper views are extensions / subsets of this 2004 image). Containing about 10,000 sources, the UDF provides a statistical sample of galaxies across the universe.

In this sequence, the three-dimensional model of the UDF data set uses NASA and other images and source catalogs. More than 5000 galaxies with cross-matched image cutout and distance measure are placed in their correct relative position throughout the long thin pyramid of the observation. To keep the fly-throughs succinct, the depth of the pyramid is shortened by a factor of a few hundred.

The visualization encompasses a suite of UDF science points in a single camera shot journey. Zooms, fades, fly-throughs, and overlay graphics visually express and highlight aspects such as the field of view, long exposure time, variety of galaxies, and extent across the observable universe. The critical idea that "looking farther out into space is also looking farther back in time" leads to examples, drawn directly from the data, of galaxy structure changing and growing over time.

The Ultra Deep Field and other deep field studies help astronomers study the distribution, characteristics, and development of galaxies across space and time.

Visualization: Frank Summers, Alyssa Pagan, Leah Hustak, Greg Bacon, Zolt Levay, Lisa Frattare (STScI)
Data: Anton Koekemoer, Bahram Mobasher, and HUDF Team
Music: "Autumn: Meditativo" by Dee Yan-Key CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

This presentation is based on work performed as part of the NASA’s Universe of Learning project and is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC65A. The NASA's Universe of Learning (NASA’s UoL) project creates and delivers science-driven, audience-driven resources and experiences designed to engage and immerse learners of all ages and backgrounds in exploring the universe for themselves. The competitively-selected project represents a unique partnership between the Space Telescope Science Institute, Caltech/IPAC, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and Sonoma State University, and is part of the NASA Science Mission Directorate Science Activation program.

[band_e_coot]

60 years ago i looked up into the night sky in the outback of Australia in awe. I feel like that little boy again. Thank You.

[SteveMHN]

A video like this is a good way of switching off from all the problems in the world.

[StopItStephanie]

I’m agnostic, but astronomy does more to convince me that a higher power might exist than any crappy mortal religion ever could. This is mind-numblingly humbling and yet it’s the most beautiful thing. I am filled simultaneously with awe and dismay by this reminder of how inconceivably vast the universe is and how most of it is forever hidden from our sight. There is also a terrible sense of loss from knowing that we will never be able to reach out and set foot in any of these places. I have so many emotions to process right now!

[christianrusso]

The scale is truly unbelievable. In all seriousness, it's difficult to grasp the vastness of it all and somehow good ole Hubble pulls these gems. So grateful.

[Slaphappy]

One of the most mind expanding images in the history of humanity and personally the most profound.

[sivarajkumar]

I almost cried!!! Universe is mind-blowing

[besttutorials]

This just blows my mind radically.
I cannot believe Earth is the only Place with Life. I just cannot believe it.

[jeromeb]

I will never understand how people can view this and feel “insignificant” or “tiny”. Sure, our universe is unfathomably vast, containing a literally uncountable amount of atoms and photons. I feel amazed, honored and just downright thankful that these atoms, the ones that make up **me** are right here, right now and I know I am aware of it all. My existence is probably going to be the best thing a tiny little particle in space will ever experience. To finally know what you are, in all of this darkness.

[mattf.]

One of the very best presentations I've seen here. The visualizations and perspectives are amazing. Awesome!

[Flyboy]

Hubble has been incredible but I can't wait to see what James Webb has to offer!

[karlkarlsson]

Mind blown at 5:21, seeing all those thousands of Galaxies, then zooming out showing how tiny the patch is, visualizing the same amount on the rest of the sky.

[thesimstecoo]

watching this makes me and my problems feel extremely insignificant...

[therandals]

That actually moved me in ways I've never felt before... But, it also made me feel REALLY small.

[theresawilliams]

Just imagine how advanced life forms are out their in these galaxies that have come and gone, before their light even hits us.
It makes you wonder.
Truly amazing.

[danaelston]

This is one of the best, understandable, well explained, description through text and visuals I have ever seen. I've been a astronomer fan since early childhood (the late 50's) and am constantly drawn to the study of space! Thank you for this.

[teramasz]

1:56 Let me just say that this is, so far, the best explanation/visualization I have ever seen.

[shibimihi]

billions of light years away from our galaxy, other life forms could be viewing our galaxy and seein it as it was in the dinosaur era or even before that!!! I believe that there are billions if not trillions of other life forms out there but we'll never get to know about them!

[leonardotonelli]

Just astonishing, I have no words left...

[Sra]

It takes something to make a soul imagine.. thankyou for making me imagine.. World is full of beautiful people! Beautiful video!

[alexb]

It always boggles my mind to think about all those distant galaxies, and what they’re like, and who lives there