Accuracy of Hipparcos stellar distances

The data obtained by Hipparcos is of unprecendented accuracy and will be used to tackle many unsolved issues in astronomy, such as the structure of the Galaxy, the evolution of stars, and the age of the Universe. The map is in equatorial coordinates; MAS = milliarcsecond. (From the Hipparcos and Tycho Catalogues, ESA SP-1200 - Volume 1.) [Image Date: 01-04-97] [97.05.003-003]