Scientist have used the Hubble Space Telescope(the one that gives you all those cool pictures of distant Nebulas and Galaxies) to extend our ability to accurately measure the heavens by 10 times.  The new technique, called spatial scanning, is combined with Astronomical Parallax, the long used technique, to increase our ability to measure astronomical objects astronomically.[ sorry 🙂 ] Astronomical parallax is a technique similar to the parallax used by land surveyors on Earth. It involves taking pictures of a distant at 2 different locations, and using their apparent position and some trigonometry to calculate distances. Since Astronomical distances are so vast, we have to take pictures on the other side of the Sun instead of just a couple of miles away. By combing this technique with the new technique of Spatial Spanning, scientist are improving our ability to measure, and thus our understanding, of the the Universe. What is so amazing is that its the Hubble Space Telescope at it again. It was initially launched in 1990, and the last servicing of the telescope came in 2009, yet it still continues to provide us with invaluable scientific data. Talking heads like to complain about space expenses, but clearly, we are getting our moneys worth with this one. It has long served as a public resource, and anyone can apply for Hubble time. There are also still major missions planned with the telescope, and it is expected to continue to operate until about its 30th birthday.