An Updated Model for the Perseus Spiral Arm from Trigonometric Parallax and 3D Kinematic Distances of Distant Massive Stars

The Astrophysical Journal 2026 Open access

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Authors: Lucas J. Hyland, Mark J. Reid, S. P. Ellingsen, A. Brunthaler, X. W. Zheng, Karl M. Menten
DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae64f5
Cited by: 1
References: 52

Abstract

Abstract We report trigonometric parallaxes and proper motions for three water masers and one methanol maser obtained with the Very Long Baseline Array as part of the Bar and Spiral Structure Legacy Survey. Incorporating these parallaxes with three-dimensional kinematic distances, we refine the position and pitch angle of the Perseus spiral arm in the first Galactic quadrant. Extrapolating the Perseus and Sagittarius arm locations to beyond the Galactic center, we find that they intersect at an approximate Galactocentric azimuth of 200° and radius of 5.6 kpc.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Astronomy and Astrophysical Research Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies Stellar planetary and galactic studies

Publication details

Journal / source
The Astrophysical Journal
Publisher
American Astronomical Society
Volume
1004
Issue
2
Pages
209–209
Publication date
15 June 2026
Language
EN