For the first time, astronomers observe the far side of our galaxy at 66,000 light-years away

Key Takeaways:

1. Scientists utilizing the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) have achieved the groundbreaking feat of measuring the distance to a star-forming region on the far side of our Milky Way galaxy, shedding light on its elusive structure.
2. This historic observation, detailed in the journal Science, employed the parallax technique to calculate distances, showcasing the effectiveness of measuring angles to determine the vast expanse of our galaxy.
3. The star-forming region, known as G007.47+00.05, situated in the Scutum Centaurus Arm, provided a crucial data point, affirming the existence of this particular galactic arm.
4. The distance to this remote region was gauged at an impressive 66,000 light-years, surpassing the previous parallax record of 36,000 light-years, illustrating the precision achieved by the VLBA.
5. Despite challenges posed by interstellar dust hindering optical observations, scientists successfully tracked the movements of methanol and water molecules in the distant star-forming region, enabling this groundbreaking measurement.

The Milky Way, our cosmic abode, has long been a subject of fascination, yet significant portions of its far side have remained shrouded in mystery. A recent scientific revelation, documented in the esteemed journal Science, has propelled us closer to unraveling the enigma of our galaxy’s true form. By employing an array of 10 telescopes known as the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), scientists have achieved an unprecedented milestone—measuring the distance to a star-forming region on the far side of the Milky Way.

The parallax technique, a celestial measuring tool, played a pivotal role in this momentous discovery. By observing the change in angle to the distant region when Earth occupied opposite sides of the Sun, researchers could accurately calculate the distance to the stars. The success of this method marks a significant leap forward in our ability to map the intricate contours of the Milky Way.

Named G007.47+00.05, the star-forming region resides in the Scutum Centaurus Arm, affirming the existence of this particular arm in our galaxy. Overcoming the challenge posed by interstellar dust, which typically obstructs optical light, scientists tracked the intricate motions of methanol and water molecules in the remote region. This breakthrough allowed for the precise measurement of the distance: an astounding 66,000 light-years.

In comparison, the previous parallax record stood at a relatively modest 36,000 light-years. Alberto Sanna, the lead author of the study from the Max-Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) in Germany, likened the precision of this measurement to being able to discern a baseball on the lunar surface—an apt analogy for the remarkable technological achievement.

The discovery is a significant milestone in the broader survey known as BASSAL, aiming to measure distances to star-forming regions throughout the Milky Way. The ultimate goal is to reconstruct a face-on view of our galaxy from a million light-years away within the next decade. Intriguingly, initial findings already indicate that the far side of our galaxy is characterized by an arm that is not uniformly flat but instead exhibits undulating pitches.

While the VLBA has been operational for several decades, it is the recent refinement of the parallax technique that has enabled this groundbreaking measurement. With about a quarter of the galaxy’s expanse still uncharted, the scientific community anticipates further revelations as the team endeavors to map distances to other unexplored realms within the Milky Way.