Astrometry with the Keck Interferometer: The ASTRA project and its science
Abstract
The sensitivity and astrometry upgrade ASTRA of the Keck Interferometer is introduced. After a brief overview of the underlying interferometric principles, the technology and concepts of the upgrade are presented. The interferometric dual-field technology of ASTRA will provide the KI with the means to observe two objects simultaneously, and measure the distance between them with a precision eventually better than 100 μas. This astrometric functionality of ASTRA will add a unique observing tool to fields of astrophysical research as diverse as exo-planetary kinematics, binary astrometry, and the investigation of stars accelerated by the massive black hole in the center of the Milky Way as discussed in this contribution.
- Publication:
-
New Astronomy Reviews
- Pub Date:
- November 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.newar.2010.07.009
- arXiv:
- arXiv:0811.2264
- Bibcode:
- 2009NewAR..53..363P
- Keywords:
-
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 22 pages, 10 figures (low resolution), contribution to the summerschool "Astrometry and Imaging with the Very Large Telescope Interferometer", 2 - 13 June, 2008, Keszthely, Hungary, corrected authorlist