Keywords
Astrometry
Hipparcos
How to Cite
Abstract
With the launch of the Gaia satellite, precision astrometry has entered a new era, and this article explains why. Erik Høg, a central figure in the development of modern astrometry, describes the mission's ambition to map over a billion stars with unprecedented accuracy. The article delves into the technological challenges, including stability, calibration, and large-scale data processing. At the same time, it discusses the scientific perspectives: from the dynamics of the galaxy to dark matter and the evolution of stars. For physicists, it is especially interesting to see how precision measurements can serve as tests of fundamental theories. The article conveys both the technical complexity and the scientific vision behind one of Europe's most ambitious space projects.
References
[1] E. Høg (2014), The Astrometric Foundation of Astrophysics. Abstract to the Conference Book 2014 of the Danish Astronomical Society. http://arxiv.org/abs/1408.2122
[2] E. Høg (2013), Gaia-missionens snørklede tilblivelse. Kvant nr. 4, december 2013.
[3] E. Høg (2011), Astrometri fra antikken til i dag. Kvant nr. 3, oktober 2011.
[4] E. Høg (2014), Absolute astrometry in the next 50 years. Draft report with updates especially on the solar system. http://arxiv.org/abs/1408.2190
[5] Læs mere om Hipparcos og Gaia: http://www.rssd.esa.int/Hipparcos; http://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaia; http://gaia.esa.int
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