A team of researchers from Penn State University in a recent press release mapped out a new representation of the Milky Way. The researchers working with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-III (SDSS) finally found how stars in the Milky Way travel throughout the galaxy.

Researchers stated that the findings of the new map revealed that roughly one-third of stars have migrated far across the galaxy. Some also estimate that they might have reached over 180,000 light years in diameter.

Study researchers affirmed that the key to know how these stars travel across the galaxy lies in their chemical makeups. Professor Donald Schneider of Penn State said in an explaination that the SDSS incorporated an infrared spectrograph to determine the composition of the stars.

This allowed his team to track the locations, motions, and current compositions of roughly 70,000 stars in the Milky Way.

Furthermore, to create a new map, the team monitored 100,000 stars over the period of four years with the spectrograph.

The elements present in the atmosphere of very star tell a unique history that can be traced back to known locations throughout the galaxy where certain elements are commonly found, stated researchers.

Researchers said that by measuring the amount of light released by a star at different wavelengths, astronomers can determine the exact components of a star. Chemical enrichment leads to the creation of heavy elements that can signify an older star.

The team also found that stars migrate radially, meaning they either travel towards or away from the galaxy’s center. These random migrations in and out of the galaxy occur much more frequently than previously thought, showed study.

They study’s findings also offer new insights into the study of our home in the universe.