Unveiling the Hidden Secrets of the Universe's Zone of Avoidance

A new study has used infrared observations from the VISTA telescope to look for galaxies within the Zone of Avoidance, a region in the central part of the Milky Way filled with dust that blocks visible light. By comparing their candidates with data from the 2MASS Extended Source Catalogue, the team confirmed 75% of the galaxies in the region. This initial step opens the door to further study of thousands of galaxies hidden in the Zone of Avoidance, providing a better understanding of the universe.