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A three-dimensional map of the Milky Way using classical Cepheid variable stars
Dorota M Skowron1, Jan Skowron2, Przemek Mróz2
1Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw, 00-478 Warsaw, Poland. dszczyg@astrouw.edu.pl udalski@astrouw.edu.pl.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 3, 2019
Summary
We mapped the Milky Way galaxy using classical Cepheid variable stars to reveal its 3D structure and warped disk shape. This new map accurately depicts our galaxy
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Galactic Structure and Dynamics
Background:
- The Milky Way's physical properties are often inferred indirectly using tracers and extrapolations from other galaxies.
- Current distance measurements for galactic tracers are model-dependent and indirect, limiting precise structural analysis.
- Understanding the Milky Way's structure is crucial for galactic dynamics and stellar population studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a precise three-dimensional map of the Milky Way.
- To reveal the structure of the galaxy's young stellar population.
- To constrain the warped shape of the Milky Way's disk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized positions and distances of thousands of classical Cepheid variable stars.
- Constructed a 3D map of the Milky Way based on these stellar data.
- Employed a simple star formation model within spiral arms to interpret Cepheid distribution.
Main Results:
- Generated a detailed 3D map of the Milky Way.
- Revealed the spatial distribution of the galaxy's young stellar population.
- Provided constraints on the warped geometry of the Milky Way's disk.
Conclusions:
- Classical Cepheid variable stars are effective tracers for mapping galactic structure.
- The study confirms and quantifies the warped shape of the Milky Way's disk.
- A basic model of star formation in spiral arms successfully explains the observed Cepheid distribution.
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