IT General

The notification pull-down bar on Samsung Galaxy phones has changed quite a bit over the last few years, and not for the better. If you feel like your notifications aren't the same, out of order, and just seem a bit weird lately, you're not alone. The last two One UI updates changed the look and order of alerts, but one quick change in settings can fix it.

Buying digital movies is a risky business. There's no guarantee that you'll always be able to access the TV show or movie that you paid for. While some companies are actively removing people's content, there's one thing you can do to give your collection a better chance of survival.

Back in 1998, four of the biggest names in enterprise computing agreed on something wild. IBM, the Santa Cruz Operation (SCO), Sequent, and Intel would merge their separate UNIX systems into one OS for Intel's upcoming 64-bit chips. They called it Project Monterey.

Wi-Fi 7 routers and network cards are finally becoming affordable and commonplace, but if you're a homelabber or someone who just enjoys any sort of self-hosting, you probably haven't had a pressing reason to upgrade to this latest standard.

Sometimes the best Excel projects start with something the program can't do out of the box. Surprisingly, Excel doesn't have a built-in timeline chart. So I experimented with a regular line chart, and 10 minutes later, I had a series of events mapped out in a dynamic timeline. Want to give it a try this weekend? Here's what I did.

Apple upgrades its 18 Pro line with improved camera aperture and AI capabilities. CNET's Patrick Holland unpacks the main things you need to know about the latest iPhone 18 Pro handsets.

Read more about the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s latest iPhones: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battle of the flagships

Timecode chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Variable aperture
01:20 Pricing increase
01:56 Other design updates
02:52 iOS 27 goodies
03:30 Battery life
03:55 Conclusion

Video credits
Host: Patrick Holland
Scripted by: Patrick Holland
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: JD Christison
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

Didn't manage watch Trump's midterm convention? You weren't the only one.

The good news is Daily Show host Michael Kosta has recapped the whole thing. In the clip above Kosta goes through the lowlights, from Senate hopeful Ken Paxton's jokes falling a little flat ("Oh no he didn't...make anyone laugh," says Kosta after a clip of Paxton's jokes getting a tumbleweed response) to Trump offering Americans $5,000 if the Republicans win both the House and the Senate.

"$5,000? That's two trips to the grocery store!" says Kosta. "Or one if you buy raspberries. I like how Trump calls this a dividend. Do you know when businesses hand out dividends, when they're raking in money? The last time I checked, we, as a country, have negative $40 trillion of money."

Kosta wasn't the only one to poke fun at the convention. Elsewhere, Jimmy Kimmel also had some thoughts about the empty seats.

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Our Samsung Galaxy phones get better with each update, but sometimes the best features are completely hidden or don't get talked about enough. A prime example is the powerful "Finder" app feature that apparently Samsung doesn't want you to know about. Better yet, you can now put it right on your home screen.

SAVE $10: As of Sept. 11, select colors of the Anker Nano Power Bank (45W, 10,000mAh) are on sale for $49.99 at Amazon. That's $10 off their list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano Power Bank, 45W 10,000mAh Portable Charger $49.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $10   Get Deal

For those who are frequently on the go, or if you have big travel plans this fall, a portable charger is a very helpful tech item to have on hand. The Anker Nano Power Bank (45W, 10,000mAh) is one option to consider, especially since Amazon's knocked $10 off its list price. The deal won't last for much longer, though.

As of Sept. 11, select colors of this power bank (black, green, and white) have dropped from $59.99 to $49.99 at the retailer. However, each of these has a percentage bar on its store page indicating how much of the sale inventory has already been claimed, and some colors are selling fast. If you're hoping to grab it, be quick to pick up your favorite before the offer runs out.

SEE ALSO: Here's when you can preorder the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo

This Anker Nano Power Bank is a very compact charger, with the store page noting that it's 16% smaller than standard models (measuring 3.21 × 1.99 × 1.42 inches and weighing 8.2oz) and featuring a retractable charging cable that makes it easy to carry around. That built-in cable is quite durable as well, with the store page noting it can withstand over 20,000 bends. The power bank is also flight-approved, which is great for travelers.

In terms of power, it boasts a 10,000mAh capacity and 45W max fast charging, alongside pass-through technology and a smart display so you can keep an eye on your charging devices. If you need an extra battery boost when you're out and about, this power bank seems well worth picking up.

The deals are being claimed quickly, though, so be quick to score this discount on select colors of the Anker Nano Power Bank at Amazon.

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It's the New Moon tonight, which means the side we see is completely dark. This is because the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, with the sunlit side facing away from us.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Sept. 11, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the New Moon phase, with 0% of its surface visible.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon's appearance gradually changes as it travels around Earth, completing a full lunar cycle in approximately 29.5 days, NASA tells us. What we see from Earth depends on the Moon's position in relation to the Sun, which affects how much of its illuminated side is visible. As the cycle progresses, the Moon passes through a series of phases, from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon, before starting over.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL; DR: At IFA 2026 in Berlin, TCL officially unveiled a massive hardware showcase spanning smartphones, tablets, and TVs. Highlights include the TCL P80 Ultra and P80 Pro, the versatile TAB A1 tablet series, and the absurdly bright X11L SQD-Mini LED TV, which packs up to 10,000 nits of peak brightness.

TCL took the stage at IFA 2026 to reveal a massive wave of upcoming gear. Instead of just throwing tech specs at us, they focused on solving two real-world problems: stopping screen glare from frying your eyeballs, and building TVs so ridiculously bright your living room feels like a movie theater. Here is a quick breakdown of what’s coming down the pipe.

Smartphones: Vibrant colors that don't blind you

Leading the phone pack are the TCL P80 Ultra and P80 Pro. They're the first phones ever to mix AMOLED screen colors with TCL's matte, paper-like display tech. So you get rich, vivid colors without feeling like you're staring into a mirror under sunlight.

Both pack huge 6.83-inch screens, big batteries meant to last all day, and a physical button on the side that flips the screen into a muted reading mode or monochrome e-ink style. If you want serious zoom, the Ultra adds a periscope lens for long-range shots, while the base-model P80 keeps things simple with a super-thin profile.

Pricing and availability

European rollouts kick off Sept. 11, while US carrier and retail launches are still pending, so stateside buyers will have to hold tight a bit longer.

SEE ALSO: TCL just launched two ultra-slim 'art' TVs at IFA — and they are officially chasing Samsung’s crown Tablets: One for your bag, one for your couch

TCL also dropped four new tablets in its TAB A1 Series, split into two sizes. The 11-inch models (TAB A1 and TAB A1 NXTPAPER) are super light and easy to throw in a backpack for quick browsing or reading on a flight.

If you want something bigger to binge TV shows or doodle with a stylus, the 12.2-inch "Plus" models give you way more screen space, smoother scrolling, and a massive 10,000mAh battery so you aren't hunting for an outlet every five minutes.

Pricing and availability

The TAB A1 series is already rolling out globally, with prices hovering around $190 to $299 depending on screen size and configuration.

TVs: Absurdly bright screens and framed art

On the TV front, TCL is pushing Mini LED tech to its absolute limits. The standout TCL X11L comes in massive 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes and hits 110,000-nit peak brightness. That is tech-speak for "this TV is bright enough to cut through direct sunlight in your living room while keeping dark scenes ink-black." It even has high-end Bang & Olufsen sound built right in.

For living rooms where a giant black mirror ruins the aesthetic, TCL also introduced the A400 Pro NXTVISION TV. It uses a matte, anti-reflective display wrapped in a light walnut woodgrain frame, allowing it to seamlessly blend into your wall as a digital art display when you aren't binge-watching your favorite shows.

SEE ALSO: Best Labor Day TV deals: Our favorite deals on TCL, LG, Samsung, and more Pricing and availability

The flagship is already rolling out in Europe, and US listings for the X11L are already live, priced between $3,499 (discounted) for the 75-inch screen and $9,999 for the 98-inch model. Meanwhile, TCL has yet to confirm the exact release dates for the art-focused A400 Pro.

If your wallet can handle the hit, your eyes — and your living room setup — are definitely in for an upgrade. Learn more at TCL.

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TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister is on sale for $21.88 at Amazon, down from its $29.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister $21.88 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $8.11   Get Deal

Buying single Pokémon TCG: Pitch Black Boosters can still run you a good amount above MSRP, but Amazon’s new Blister price drop makes it so you soften the blow to your trading card budget. 

As of Sept. 11, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister is $21.88 at Amazon through third-party seller reVend. Against the $29.99 list price, you’re saving $8.11, or 27%. 

Spread across the three included boosters, that works out to roughly $7.29 per pack. Compared to buying Pitch Black boosters a la carte for $8.95, this three-pack blister is saving you $1.66 per pack for a total of $4.98 — with the Binacle promo card essentially acting as a free bonus. 

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That said, TCGplayer is still slightly cheaper, with listings as low as $19.99, including shipping. Whichever way you go, though, you’re still getting a rare chance to grab this under market price — with the trading card selling platform currently valuing this one at $22.25. 

Grabbing packs for less money doesn’t mean there still aren’t valuable chase cards to pull, though. Amongst Pitch Blacks' most pricey cards, the biggest hits still include SIR Mega Darkrai ex, MHR Mega Darkrai ex, and SIR Morpeko ex — worth up to just under $195. 

If you’re after one card in particular, you can buy any single Pokémon card from Pitch Black right now on TCGplayer.

ESP32 boards are incredibly versatile tools. You can use them for a huge range of purposes, and they can also be an extremely cheap way to help you get started in a new creative tech hobby.

SAVE $60: As of Sept. 11, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is on sale for $439 at Amazon. That's a 12% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $439 at Amazon
$499 Save $60   Get Deal

Want to make your videos look a little more polished without lugging around a full-size camera? The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the perfect product for exactly that, packing a proper camera and built-in gimbal into a tiny, pocket-sized frame. And as of Sept. 11, you can get it for less at Amazon. Normally priced at $499, there's now $60 off the list price, bringing the cost down to $439.

This vlogging camera from DJI has a 1-inch CMOS sensor that records in 4K at up to 120 fps, making it a great option for shooting everything from travel footage to sunsets and night scenes.

It has a rotating 2-inch touchscreen that lets you switch between horizontal and vertical shooting, and the 3-axis mechanical stabilization keeps footage steady as you move. Another bonus is the ActiveTrack 6. This can keep you centered in the frame as you film.

There's also built-in stereo recording, and DJI OsmoAudio lets you connect a DJI Mic 2 or Mic Mini transmitter directly to the camera for better sound.

Head to Amazon now to get this deal on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

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SAVE OVER $800: As of Sept. 11, the Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K TV is on sale for $2,498 at Amazon. That's $801.99 off its full price of $3,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K HDR Smart Google TV $2,498 at Amazon
$3,299.99 Save $801.99   Get Deal

With Labor Day in the rearview, there's a little bit of time to kill before the next wave of sale events hits. But if you're still hoping to save on high-quality tech in the time in between, Amazon has plenty to check out. This includes some great discounts on TVs. If you're in the market for a fall upgrade, the Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K TV has had over $800 slashed from its price tag there.

As of Sept. 11, this Sony TV's price has dropped from $3,299.99 to $2,498 at the retailer, for a total savings of $801.99. Though it's worth mentioning that it is marked as a 'limited time deal', so time is of the essence to snag it at the price while it's still on sale.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this uncomplicated TV specs guide

Sony's OLED display brings out vibrant colors and deep contrast in what you're watching, making the picture quality of movies and shows a rich treat for the eyes. Plus, 4K resolution helps sharpen that picture so you can see every detail as it unfolds. According to the store page, this TV's XR Processor with AI technology also boosts color, contrast, and clarity, so images can really shine on screen.

For those who are signed up to multiple streaming services, it's also a Google TV, so that you can jump into all of your favorite apps right from the home screen. And considering how much there is to look forward to this fall for streaming, that's a big positive. Its 65-inch screen size is also a great fit for those looking to buy a mid-range TV for their home, not stretching too big or squished too small.

The clock is ticking on this limited-time deal, though. So act fast to save on the Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K TV at Amazon.

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SAVE $57: As of Sept. 11, the Holy Stone HS600 is on sale for $242.99 at Amazon. That's an 19% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS600 $249.99 at Amazon
$279.98 Save $29.99   Get Deal

Getting into drones doesn't have to mean spending hundreds on a high-end model. Models like the Holy Stone HS600 offer 4K video, a gimbal, and a great set of flight features without the hefty price tag. And as of Sept. 11, it's even cheaper at Amazon, with the drone now on sale for $242.99. This saves you $57 off the list price and is the lowest-ever price for this model.

For the price, the HS600 packs in plenty of useful kit. Its 4K camera uses a dual-axis gimbal and electronic image stabilization to help keep footage steady, and the Sony sensor can record at up to 30fps. It also has brushless motors designed to provide a more stable flight.

It has integrated FAA-compliant Remote ID, so there's no need to buy a separate module, and at 541g, it's relatively easy to take with you. It also comes with a carrying case, making it useful for travel and on-the-go use.

It's a great option for beginners, too. Follow Mode can automatically track a subject, and Waypoint Mode lets you map out a flight path rather than controlling every movement manually.

Head to Amazon to grab this Holy Stone drone deal while it's on sale.

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Trump held a midterm convention in Texas on Wednesday, and attendance levels were already looking a bit shaky based on the number of Republicans making excuses about why they wouldn't be able to go.

In the clip above, Jimmy Kimmel gleefully analyses the number of empty seats in the room, first playing a clip of Trump maintaining that the room was packed despite video footage to the contrary

"Could there be a better metaphor for this presidency than him bragging about the size of his crowd to a bunch of empty seats? I don't think so. When does the kid come out and inform the emperor that he has no clothes? That arena was as empty as a Waymo," Kimmel says. "This is what happens in North Korea. It is really terrifying that this is the news that some people are getting exclusively."

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SAVE $78: As of Sept. 11, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $76.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet $76.99 at Amazon
$154.99 Save $78.00   Get Deal

If you're in the market for an affordable tablet, Amazon currently has a great deal on the Amazon Fire HD 10. As of Sept. 11, it has dropped in price to just $76.99, saving you $78 off the list price. That's half off, and according to camelcamelcamel, the lowest-ever price for this device.

This tablet comes with a 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display, so it's a great buy if you want a tablet for watching shows, playing games, or settling down with an e-book. It also promises up to 13 hours of battery life, meaning you shouldn't need to keep reaching for the charger during the day. It also comes with 32GB of storage, so there's plenty of room for streaming apps, games, and whatever else you need.

It's designed to be lightweight yet durable, with strengthened aluminosilicate glass, and it has a 5MP front-facing camera for video calls. You also get handy tools for drafting emails, summarizing webpages, and creating wallpapers, plus Alexa support and parental controls through Amazon Kids.

This tablet deal is available at Amazon now, but only for a limited time, so don't miss out.

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Planning to upgrade your iPhone this year? If you're someone looking to get the most feature-packed device, typically the choice would be easy: You'd buy the latest iPhone Pro Max model, and this time around, that's the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

However, Apple decided to throw a curveball at iOS users this year with the release of its first-ever Apple foldable, the iPhone Duo.

Now, iPhone users looking for a new smartphone have to make a difficult choice. I know. I'm one of those users who assumed I'd just go with the new Pro Max, but the unveiling of the Duo has me second-guessing that choice.

Do I go with the iPhone 18 Pro Max or the iPhone Duo? Each is powerful in its own right, as they both have Apple's new Apple Silicon chip A20 Pro. But, both are missing features that the other has.

So, instead of just comparing specs, let's look at the use cases for each device.

If you want the biggest screen... Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

At 6.9 inches, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the largest traditional smartphone display. When the iPhone Duo is closed and in its smartphone "form," it's smaller. The Duo's outer display is only 5.4 inches.

However, when the Duo is opened up, the inner display has 50 percent more screen space than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, measuring 7.6 inches. Ultimately, the Duo has more screen for you to work with.

The winner: The iPhone Duo

If cameras are of the utmost importance Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 48MP Pro Fusion camera system, a 48MP Fusion Main lens, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens, and a 48MP Fusion Telephoto lens. It also introduces a physical variable aperture feature for the first time. The Duo has the same main lens but without the variable aperture, and the same ultra-wide lens. The iPhone Duo does not have a telephoto lens, but it does have a 12MP Center Stage selfie camera and an under-display FaceTime camera.

Hardware-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the superior smartphone camera when compared with the Duo. It has more rear camera lenses, and that physical variable aperture will provide users with plenty of control of lighting and depth of field.

For serious photographers or filmmakers looking for a smartphone to match your workflow, the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new software capabilities with Pro Controls is going to be a big plus too. With Pro Controls, users can adjust shutter speed, lens aperture, white balance, and more.

If you care about photography or videography above all, then the choice is clearly the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: iPhone 18 Pro max

If you're a content creator Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

I just made the case that when it comes to smartphone cameras, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is superior to the iPhone Duo. And that's true…for the most part.

While filmmakers will want to go with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, online content creators may actually want to consider the iPhone Duo.

Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the extra lens and pro control features. Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max even has a better front-facing camera with its 18MP selfie camera compared to the iPhone Duo's 12MP selfie camera.

However, the foldable aspect of iPhone Duo opens up a whole world of creative use cases, especially for those who typically make social media-friendly content. 

The iPhone Duo can be folded in numerous ways to act as its own stand or tripod in order to take full-body photos and videos when working solo. The iPhone Duo even has unique features like Smart Take that take advantage of those capabilities and automatically snap photos of users without having to utilize a countdown.

When opened, the iPhone Duo's outer display can be used as a monitor so users can take selfies with the better 48MP without just guessing if they're even in the frame.

If you're a content creator who never manually changes the settings on your camera and barely, if ever, utilizes the telephoto lens, the iPhone Duo may actually be better for you.

The winner: The iPhone Duo

Price matters

Finally, an easy one. 

If you're looking for the most powerful but also simultaneously the most affordable device, don't even look at the iPhone Duo. It's the most expensive iPhone ever.

The Duo starts at $2,000. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is $700 cheaper at $1,299. Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: The iPhone 18 Pro Max, duh

You're a mobile gamer

If mobile gaming is your thing, it seems like Apple may have finally created the perfect iPhone for you.

People who've already had a hands-on with the iPhone Duo are saying that the foldable is seemingly made for gamers. The full-sized inner screen provides a perfect balance of display real estate with mobility. In addition, when turned to its side, one screen can be used as a traditional landscape-mode display, while the other can be used as a full-sized game controller.

Now, there is one addendum to add here. It may be a while for most game developers to update their games to use these features or even create games specifically tailored to the iPhone Duo. But, when all is said and done, the iPhone Duo will clearly have the upper hand over the iPhone 18 Pro Max when it comes to gaming.

The winner: iPhone Duo

You're a multitasker

This is a no-brainer choice if you're a multitasker. Go with the iPhone Duo.

The Duo appears to work much like an iPad, with the ability to run multiple apps side by side. The inner screen will also provide an optimal experience when using features like picture-in-picture video.

The winner: iPhone Duo

You have too many iPhone accessories already Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Unless you're upgrading your iPhone 17 Pro Max to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which is the same size as its predecessor, you're going to have to buy a new iPhone case.

However, most other accessories should still work! Rigs to utilize your iPhone as a professional camera, swappable camera lenses, attachable battery packs, selfie sticks, tripod mounts – all of those should be compatible with your iPhone 18 Pro Max. After all, the traditional iPhone design has been this way for some time.

That may not be so with a completely different-looking iPhone product like the iPhone Duo. While some accessories may still work with your Duo, they certainly weren't designed to fit or align perfectly with its design. Many accessories may just not be compatible at all.

So, if you rely on many essential third-party iPhone accessories, you may want to stick with the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

You just really want a foldable device

Yeah, just buy the iPhone Duo.

You think foldables are dumb

Why are you even here? Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Top iPhone pre-order deals

The iPhone 18 Pro Max opens for pre-orders on Sept. 12, and the big carriers are rolling out their best offers:

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan

• Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

Astronomers have taken a patch of distant sky and turned it into a 3D map, revealing a colossal system with about 5,000 times more mass than the Milky Way in the early universe.

In previous space pictures, this area looked like a flat painted ceiling. Galaxies appeared close together simply because they lined up from our point of view, even if some were separated by billions of light‑years in depth.

Because of that optical illusion, astronomers couldn't say for sure whether they were looking at one gigantic galaxy cluster under construction or a corridor where many clusters were in development. 

The 3D map answered that. By measuring how far away the galaxies are, scientists watched that view transform into a chain of clumps. That new way of looking at the data showed this was not a construction zone for a regular galaxy cluster but a supercluster — a cluster of clusters. Rather than one heap of galaxies, they were looking at cities of clusters.

"I think the distance and sheer scale of the structures we are studying is really extraordinary. These are structures containing hundreds to thousands of galaxies," said Vandana Ramakrishnan, a graduate student at Purdue University in Indiana and lead author of the study, in a statement. "It brings home the vastness of the cosmos."

SEE ALSO: Small, icy worlds in the outer solar system barely changed since birth

The main system mapped is called COSMOS‑Z3.1‑A, and it's the earliest supercluster ever found. A second, smaller one, COSMOS‑Z3.1‑C, sits nearby in the same field. Both are so distant that we see them as they were when the universe was only about 2 or 3 billion years old, less than a quarter of its current age. 

Early surveys could only conclude that these were crowded locations for young galaxies. The clues came from a project called ODIN, which used the Dark Energy Camera on the U.S. National Science Foundation's Blanco 4‑meter telescope in Chile. In those images, the combined region stood out as a place where far‑off galaxies seemed tightly packed together.

The team turned to large telescopes in Chile, Hawaii, and Arizona, using instruments that spread each galaxy's light into a detailed rainbow. Because the universe is expanding, light from distant galaxies is stretched toward redder colors. Measuring that stretch reveals how long the light has traveled and how far away a galaxy lies.

In three dimensions, COSMOS‑Z3.1‑A broke down into 10 dense clumps of galaxies. COSMOS‑Z3.1‑C showed a similar pattern on a smaller scale, with about four. Each clump is massive and crowded enough to grow into its own galaxy cluster. 

Scientists say the new 3D view makes it easier to test the basic story of how the universe built its largest architecture. In computer models, groups of galaxies form first. They slide along highways, or filaments, under gravity, piling into chains of clumps. Over time, they merge into rounder, more settled clusters and superclusters. The results of the study were published in The Astrophysical Journal. 

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The 3D map also shows where these growing giants fit into the universe's larger cosmic web. Matter gathers into long highways that meet at intersections. Those hubs are where the clusters and superclusters tend to collect.

The Dark Energy Camera on the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope in Chile helped astronomers find two unusually dense superclusters in the early universe. Credit: Nicole Firestone

"When we look at galaxy clusters in the nearby universe, we are seeing the finished product," said Eric Gawiser, a Rutgers University physics and astronomy professor, in a statement. But "This distant structure takes us back to a much earlier stage when the individual pieces were still coming together. It allows us to study how the universe built structures on its largest scales."

Once the galaxies were arranged in 3D, the researchers could estimate how much mass they have. They found both systems should eventually become more massive than the Coma Cluster, one of the largest known clusters in our area. In particular, COSMOS‑Z3.1‑A is head and shoulders above other heavyweights.

"We think there should be fewer than one such object for every 10,000 galaxy clusters," Ramakrishnan said.

The new Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile should make it possible to study more superclusters like this. Eventually, researchers hope to have enough data to compare how these systems look at different ages and track how galaxies evolve into dense cluster cores.