What advanced observational tool is used to gain highly accurate distances to segments of the arms, often involving water or alcohol molecules?

Answer

Masers observed via the BeSSeL Survey

A contemporary and precise method involves locating masers—naturally occurring microwave emitters in high-mass star-forming regions—and using parallax measurements from arrays like the VLBA to gain accurate distances.

What advanced observational tool is used to gain highly accurate distances to segments of the arms, often involving water or alcohol molecules?

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