Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS)

The Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) is a significant astronomical project that mapped the entire sky in infrared light, specifically at wavelengths of 2 microns. Conducted between 1997 and 2001, it used two telescopes in the U.S. to capture images of over 500 million objects, including stars, galaxies, and dust clouds. This survey has enhanced our understanding of the universe by providing detailed information about celestial objects that are often hidden from view in visible light, helping astronomers study star formation, the structure of the Milky Way, and the distribution of other cosmic phenomena.