The UKIDSS Ultra-Deep Survey

The UltraDeep Survey (UDS) is the deepest near-infrared survey ever conducted over such a large area (0.8 sq degrees). The aim is to understand how and when galaxies are formed and trace their evolution over the last 13 billion years. Over two hundred and fifty thousand galaxies have been detected so far. Further information for educators and members of the public can be found at the "public" tab above.

The UDS is the deepest component of the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS). The images were released on June 28, 2016. A preliminary 12-band optical/IR catalogue with photometric redshifts is now available (see data page).

Zooming into one small section of the UDS field. Light from many of the faint red galaxies has travelled almost 13 billion years to reach our telescopes.