Astronomers use 21cm radiation, emitted by hydrogen atoms, to map the structure of the Milky Way.
21cm radiation can travel through interstellar dust, allowing astronomers to study star-forming gas clouds and the shape of spiral arms of the galaxy.
By analyzing the redshift and blueshift of 21cm radiation, astronomers can determine the rotation speed of different regions of the Milky Way, providing insights into its dynamics and motion.
21cm radiation is also used to estimate the masses of distant galaxies by examining the neutral hydrogen gas clouds in those galaxies.