deep field

American

[deep feeld] / ˈdip ˈfild /

noun

Astronomy.

a composite image of far distant objects in space, compiled from multiple exposures capturing blue, red, and infrared light, with the wavelength of each contributing data points by which the distance and age of a cosmic object can be calculated (often used attributively): The most recent deep field images could help astronomers understand the chemistry of the early universe.

The James Webb Space Telescope can capture deep fields far more distant than Hubble ever could.
The most recent deep field images could help astronomers understand the chemistry of the early universe.

Etymology

Origin of deep field

First recorded in 1870–75 as a term in cricket; as an astronomical term in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I love a deep field image that shows the most distant galaxy cluster we've ever seen.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2024

The two galaxies were among 60,000 sources of light in Pandora's Cluster detected in one of JWST's first deep field images taken during 2022, its first year of science operations.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2023

In 2019, a confluence of factors — among them, a wild-card program that allowed multiple spellers from competitive regions to reach nationals — produced an unusually deep field of spellers.

From Washington Times • May 29, 2023

Michael Norman, the Murrieta-raised world 400 champion, could also join a deep field of challengers.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2022

The great abyss being known to lie on the right, they wandered too much to the left, and had to regain the way with infinite labour through a deep field of snow.

From No Thoroughfare by Collins, Wilkie

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023