Scientific Impact of Interferometric and Space Astrometry
Abstract
The paper considers the impact of interferometric and space astrometry on astronomic data. The speckle and Michelson interferometry in visual and infrared light will increase the precision of double star and diameter measurements in very narrow field astrometry; the space telescope, mask detection systems, and Michelson interferometry in narrow field astrometry will provide accurate relative parallaxes of selected subjects and a search for invisible star companions. Photographic techniques will be used for large field astrometry, and the breakthrough will come from space astrometry which will permit 0.001 arcmin precision for parallaxes and proper motions. Expectation for stellar and galactic astronomy, astrophysics, and stellar and galactic evolution are outlined, which should provide a basis for the determination of the masses about 300 double stars, the calibration of luminosities for main sequence stars, and a new cosmic distance scale with a direct trigonometric calibration of new categories of stars that are used as distance indicators.
- Publication:
-
IAU Colloq. 48: Modern Astrometry
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978moas.coll..573K
- Keywords:
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- Astrometry;
- Michelson Interferometers;
- Parallax;
- Technology Assessment;
- Galactic Structure;
- Interferometry;
- Speckle Patterns;
- Astronomy