How Gaia Changed Astronomy Forever

The Gaia mission, launched by the European Space Agency, revolutionizes our understanding of the Milky Way by mapping 1.7 billion stars with unprecedented precision. Gaia's astrometry allows for accurate measurements of star distances and velocities, creating a 3D atlas of our galaxy. This data enhances our knowledge of stellar evolution, galaxy dynamics, and the distribution of dark matter. Gaia also aids in the study of exoplanets, asteroids, and quasars, providing insights into the universe's structure and history.

What role does Gaia play in studying dark matter distribution in the galaxy?

What types of celestial objects has Gaia tracked besides stars?

In what ways does Gaia improve our understanding of the Milky Way?