Hubble telescope milky way
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Hubble Space Telescope and the Milky Way: Key Insights
Hubble Space Telescope Observations of Milky Way Cepheids
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has been instrumental in refining our understanding of cosmic distances through the study of Milky Way Cepheids. By observing 50 long-period, low-extinction Milky Way Cepheids, researchers have been able to measure these stars with high precision using the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3)1. These observations, combined with Gaia DR2 parallaxes, have allowed for a more accurate calibration of the cosmic distance scale, which is crucial for determining the Hubble constant (H0)1 3.
Implications for the Hubble Constant
The precise measurements of Milky Way Cepheids have significant implications for the Hubble constant. The recalibration of the extragalactic distance ladder using HST photometry and Gaia EDR3 parallaxes has confirmed a tension with the ΛCDM model, suggesting a higher value for H0 than predicted by the Planck cosmic microwave background data3 6. This tension has been a subject of ongoing research, with the latest findings indicating a Hubble constant of approximately 73.0 km s⁻¹ Mpc⁻¹, which is higher than the value inferred from early universe observations3 6.
Proper Motion of Milky Way Globular Clusters
HST has also provided valuable data on the proper motion of globular clusters in the Milky Way. By measuring the absolute proper motion of 20 globular clusters, researchers have been able to derive their 3D Galactocentric velocities and assess the mass and shape of the Milky Way's dark matter halo2. These measurements are crucial for understanding the dynamics and mass distribution within our galaxy.
Mass and Shape of the Milky Way's Dark Matter Halo
Using the proper motion data from HST and Gaia, researchers have estimated the mass of the Milky Way within 20 kpc to be approximately 1.91 × 10¹¹ M☉, with a significant portion attributed to dark matter8. The shape of the dark matter halo has been found to be nearly spherical, with an axis ratio of about 1.30, ruling out both highly oblate and strongly prolate halos8. This information is essential for constructing accurate models of the Milky Way's structure and evolution.
Studying Milky Way Progenitor Galaxies
HST imaging and spectroscopy have also been used to study the substructure around progenitor galaxies of Milky Way-mass systems. For instance, observations of a galaxy at z = 2.36 have provided insights into the hierarchical assembly of galaxies, revealing dense star-forming clumps and potential accretion events5. These studies help us understand the formation and growth of galaxies similar to the Milky Way over cosmic time.
Conclusion
The Hubble Space Telescope has significantly advanced our understanding of the Milky Way and its components. From precise measurements of Cepheid variables to the proper motion of globular clusters and the study of progenitor galaxies, HST continues to provide critical data that refine our knowledge of cosmic distances, the Hubble constant, and the structure of our galaxy. These insights not only enhance our understanding of the Milky Way but also contribute to broader cosmological models and theories.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Milky Way Cepheid Standards for Measuring Cosmic Distances and Application to Gaia DR2: Implications for the Hubble Constant
The new Gaia DR2 parallaxes and HST photometry improve the precision of measuring cosmic distances, but may underestimate the formal errors.
Highly CitedAbsolute Hubble Space Telescope Proper Motion (HSTPROMO) of Distant Milky Way Globular Clusters: Galactocentric Space Velocities and the Milky Way Mass
The Hubble Space Telescope has measured proper motion of 20 distant Milky Way globular clusters, constraining the Milky Way's mass at 0.61 1012 M, consistent with recent mass estimates.
Cosmic Distances Calibrated to 1% Precision with Gaia EDR3 Parallaxes and Hubble Space Telescope Photometry of 75 Milky Way Cepheids Confirm Tension with ΛCDM
The new calibration of Cepheid luminosities with Gaia EDR3 parallaxes and HST photometry reaches 1.8% precision, improving the determination of the Hubble constant and SNe Ia distances.
Highly CitedHubble Space Telescope Observations of the Hubble Clusters in NGC 6822: Ages and Structure
Hubble Space Telescope observations reveal that Hubble VI, VII, and VIII are rich star clusters in NGC 6822, with ages of 70 10 Myr for VI and 1.5 0.2 Gyr for VIII, and are exceptions to the trend of larger clusters forming in environments with lower stellar den
Towards studying hierarchical assembly in real time: a Milky Way progenitor galaxy at z = 2.36 under the microscope
The study of a Milky Way progenitor galaxy at z = 2.36 reveals that the clump may have formed in situ or ex situ, with high-fidelity metallicity information potentially revealing the hierarchical formation of galaxies like the Milky Way.
New Parallaxes of Galactic Cepheids from Spatially Scanning the Hubble Space Telescope: Implications for the Hubble Constant
New parallaxes of Galactic Cepheids from the Hubble Space Telescope improve the precision of the Hubble constant by 2.3%, potentially supporting a 1% calibration of H0.
Highly CitedA 3% SOLUTION: DETERMINATION OF THE HUBBLE CONSTANT WITH THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE AND WIDE FIELD CAMERA 3
The Hubble constant has been determined with improved precision using the Wide Field Camera 3 on the Hubble Space Telescope, reducing uncertainty from 3.5% to 2.3%.
Highly CitedMass and shape of the Milky Way’s dark matter halo with globular clusters from Gaia and Hubble
The Milky Way's inner dark matter halo has a mass of 1.370.17+0.181011 M, with a density axis ratio of 1.30 0.25, and a disc-like component that closely resembles the Galactic thick disc.
Highly CitedLarge Magellanic Cloud Cepheid Standards Provide a 1% Foundation for the Determination of the Hubble Constant and Stronger Evidence for Physics beyond ΛCDM
The improved determination of the Hubble constant from Long-period Cepheids in the Large Magellanic Cloud reduces uncertainty from 2.5% to 1.3%, increasing the odds of a cosmological feature beyond CDM.
Highly CitedAn Improved Distance to NGC 4258 and Its Implications for the Hubble Constant
The improved distance to NGC 4258 reduces both statistical and systematic uncertainties, improving the Hubble constant estimate.
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