Synthetic universe allows you to 'see and hear' galaxies evolving from the dawn of time (video)

(Left) The so-called cosmic web, where the colour encodes the projected density of gas and stars. (Right) Two of the many galaxies formed in the simulations seen face-on (top) and edge-on (right).

Ever dreamt of being present during the birth of the first galaxies? Perhaps being able to fast-forward through billions of years of cosmic evolution to watch those galaxies grow and shape the universe we know today? Of course, that sadly isn't possible. But thanks to a revolutionary new and unique audiovisual simulation of "virtual universes," scientists have developed the best picture of cosmic evolution to date, and you too can see and hear it!