Relativistic astrometry and astrometric relativity
Abstract
The interplay between modern astrometry and gravitational physics is very important for the progress in both these fields. Below some threshold of accuracy, Newtonian physics fails to describe observational data and the Einstein's relativity theory must be used to model the data adequately. Many high-accuracy astronomical techniques have already passed this threshold. Moreover, modern astronomical observations cannot be adequately modeled if relativistic effects are considered as small corrections to Newtonian models. The whole way of thinking must be made compatible with relativity: this starts with the concepts of time, space and reference systems.
- Publication:
-
A Giant Step: from Milli- to Micro-arcsecond Astrometry
- Pub Date:
- July 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S174392130801956X
- Bibcode:
- 2008IAUS..248..356K
- Keywords:
-
- gravitation;
- relativity;
- astrometry;
- celestial mechanics;
- reference systems;
- time