The latest 3D map of the known galaxies indicates that the number of planets in the universe may exceed 16 quadrillion. Until the Webb Space Telescope is fully operational in about five years, that is the most accurate picture we will have of our universe.
Where can that picture be seen?
This is 3% of the 3D map.Each and every spot is a galaxy. This is and always will be the ultimate Hubble picture.
Do you refer to the whole Universe or to the Observable Universe?
"a 2013 study indicated that there are 225 billion galaxies in the observable universe."
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/how-many-galaxies/
The Universe is not static. It is ever expanding. While that picture is breathtaking, there is no way to determine much more than a round figure give or take a few quadrillion.
Sure, but just trying to wrap your head around 16 quadrillion planets is mind blowing. BTW, back in the 1970s, I took an astronomy class at the University of Texas called Extraterrestrial Life, which was a pioneering effort on the subject of narrowing our search of our galaxy for candidates for technical civilizations. Of course, the increase n our understanding of the subject has just flown off the charts since then.
Just saw the latest Hubble pic. Looking back over 13 billion years.
The replacement scope for Hubble is being built now. It is claimed to be 100 times more powerful than Hubble.
Maybe now we will get to see some of the planets found so far and find more.
I think we will find potential life supporting planets will be common not rare.
Yet so far away. The two Voyager spacecraft might reach the nearest star in 40,000 years.
