Toward an Internally Consistent Astronomical Distance Scale
Abstract
Accurate astronomical distance determination is crucial for all fields in astrophysics, from Galactic to cosmological scales. Despite, or perhaps because of, significant efforts to determine accurate distances, using a wide range of methods, tracers, and techniques, an internally consistent astronomical distance framework has not yet been established. We review current efforts to homogenize the Local Group's distance framework, with particular emphasis on the potential of RR Lyrae stars as distance indicators, and attempt to extend this in an internally consistent manner to cosmological distances. Calibration based on Type Ia supernovae and distance determinations based on gravitational lensing represent particularly promising approaches. We provide a positive outlook to improvements to the status quo expected from future surveys, missions, and facilities. Astronomical distance determination has clearly reached maturity and near-consistency.
- Publication:
-
Space Science Reviews
- Pub Date:
- November 2017
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s11214-017-0395-z
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1706.07933
- Bibcode:
- 2017SSRv..212.1743D
- Keywords:
-
- Gravitational lensing: strong;
- Stars: distances;
- Stars: variables: RR Lyrae;
- Galaxy: center;
- Galaxy: fundamental parameters;
- Galaxies: distances and redshifts;
- Local Group;
- Magellanic Clouds;
- Distance scale;
- Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies;
- Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics;
- Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics;
- Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- Review article, 59 pages (4 figures)