A Giant Step: From Milli- to Micro- Arcsecond Astrometry (IAU S248)

by Edited by Wenjing Jin , Imants Platais , Michael A. C. Perryman

• ISBN13: 9780521874700
• ISBN10: 052187470X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-09-01
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The Proceedings of IAU S248 reflect the state-of-the-art in the field of astrometry, summarizing the scientific achievements at the tenth anniversary of the Hipparcos and Tycho Catalogue release. It shows the latest achievements in ground-based astrometry and details the progress of second-generation astrometric satellites. Currently, the highest accuracies at a micro-arc-second level are reached by interferometric techniques, especially at radio wavelengths. Establishing and maintaining the celestial reference frame at this level, within a relativistic framework, has been identified as one of astrometry's main tasks. The era of large surveys and virtual observatories brings inevitable changes to the role of astrometry in astronomy. For instance, galactic structure and evolution can be fully understood only by combining astrometric and astrophysical parameters. Finally, due attention is given to astrometric education in astronomy curricula for the twenty-first century. These Proceedings convincingly demonstrate the ever growing role played by astrometry in understanding the Universe.

Table of Contents

Preface

Organising committee

Conference participants

Address by the local organising committee

Hipparcos Catalogue

Highlights of optical astrometry

Astrometry with radio interferometers

Space astrometry: status and the future

Celestial reference frames at multi-wavelengths

Towards reference frame at the micro-arcsecond level

Stellar parameters and Galactic structure & evolution

Astrometric education and outreach

Astrometry in the age of large surveys and virtual observatories

Closing remarks

Author index

Object index

Subject index

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