What specific signal do radio telescopes detect to map the Milky Way's structure?
Answer
Signals emitted by hydrogen gas
Radio telescopes play a critical role in galactic mapping precisely because they can detect signals that penetrate the cosmic dust fog, unlike visible light instruments. They specifically target and measure signals emitted by hydrogen gas, an element that is widely distributed throughout the galaxy. By measuring both the speed and the exact location of these orbiting hydrogen gas clouds as they revolve around the Galactic Center, scientists are able to accurately construct a robust, three-dimensional map detailing the overall structure of the Milky Way.
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