What fundamental role does the distance measurement to the Virgo Cluster play for astronomers?
Answer
It acts as a stepping stone for the cosmological distance scale.
The precise measurement of the distance to the Virgo Cluster is exceptionally important because it serves as a fundamental reference point in the sequence used by astronomers to gauge cosmic distances, specifically acting as a crucial stepping stone for the entire cosmological distance scale. Because this measurement is so foundational, any slight variation in the calculated distance—whether 16 Mpc or a slightly further estimate like 20 Mpc—directly influences subsequent calculations, including the derived value for the Hubble Constant, which quantifies the current rate of the universe's expansion.
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