Astronomers map interstellar dust in Milky Way galaxy

Astronomers from China and the U.S. have created the first three-dimensional map of interstellar dust in the Milky Way. This map uses data from China's LAMOST telescope and the European Space Agency's Gaia observatory, marking a significant advancement in astronomy. The new map reveals how interstellar dust affects starlight, solving a long-standing challenge. Previously, astronomers relied on simplified models, but the new approach shows that dust properties vary across different regions of the galaxy. This breakthrough allows for more accurate studies of star formation and the origins of life. The team plans to expand the map further, potentially linking dust evolution to the history of the galaxy.