"Decoding the Universe: The Science of Measuring Cosmic Distances Explained"

Scientists from EPFL and the University of Bologna have enhanced the accuracy of stellar distance measurements by combining data from the Gaia mission with asteroseismology, the study of star vibrations. This method allows for the correction of small systematic errors in Gaia's parallax measurements, improving our understanding of the Universe's expansion and aiding future astronomical research and space missions. The study, which is the most extensive of its kind, analyzed the 'music' of over 12,000 red giant stars to refine distance calculations, a technique that will be crucial for upcoming exoplanet-detecting space missions like TESS and PLATO.