Posted: Wed, Jul 7, 2010, 7:24 AM ET (1124 GMT)
A European astronomy satellite has compiled its first infrared all-sky image, revealing details ranging from the Milky Way to the cosmic microwave background. The image, released this week by ESA, is the result of the first of four all-sky scans performed by the Planck spacecraft, an infrared observatory launched last year. Astronomers plan to use the data to study the cosmic microwave background, the "first light" that provides information on the Big Bang and the early history of the universe.

Related Links:

•  BBC article
•  The Guardian article
•  Astronomy Now article
•  ScienceNow article
•  ESA press release