Cosmic Infrared Background

The Cosmic Infrared Background (CIB) is the collective glow of all the infrared light emitted by objects in the universe over billions of years, primarily from stars and galaxies. Since this light is often absorbed and re-radiated by dust clouds, it accumulates into a faint, diffuse glow that fills the universe. Studying the CIB helps astronomers understand the history of star formation and galaxy evolution, revealing information about the universe's past when many stars and galaxies were forming but are too distant and faint to see individually.