Developments in Astrometry and Their Impact on Astrophysics and Geodynamics
Developments in Astrometry and Their Impact on Astrophysics and Geodynamics

Author: Ivan I. Mueller

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-12-01

Total Pages: 446

ISBN-13: 940111711X

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In this review talk, I would like to report on the proper motion analysis, which has been recently carried out together with M. Soma and M. Yoshizawa: There has been a persistent demand in astronomy for accurate stellar positions and proper motions, which are represented by an inertial reference system constructed on the basis of a set of consistent astronomical constants. In the reference system the precessional constant plays a primary role. In a series of papers Fricke (1967a,b, 1977a,b) has deter mined the luni-solar precessional correction to Newcomb's value and the fictitious motion of the equinox, which have been adopted in the "IAU (1976) System of Astronomical Con stants". Based on the precessional correction and the equinoctial motion thus established, the fundamental reference system, the FK5 system (Fricke et al. 1988) for positions and proper motions, has been constructed. However, for several years geodetic VLBI (McCarthy & Luzum 1991) and LLR (Williams et at. 1991) observations have been suggesting an additional correction to the luni-solar precessional constant of the IAU (1976) System. That is, these observations indicate the precessional correction of 6. p ~ -0:'30/cent to the FK5 system. But, the observational period ofthe earth orientation is considered to be still insufficient to separate unambiguously the precessional change of the earth orientation from the nutation with the longest period of 18. 6 years.

Galactic and Solar System Optical Astrometry
Galactic and Solar System Optical Astrometry

Author: L. V. Morrison

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1994-05-26

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13: 9780521462402

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Astrometry - the study of the positions of astronomical objects and how they move across the sky - is a cornerstone of modern astronomy. Pinning down the distances to and motions of stars in our Galaxy is fundamental - it can lead to an understanding of the origin of these stars and how together they affect the evolution of our Galaxy. Similarly, measuring the motions of planets, their satellites and asteroids is crucial to unravelling the origin and evolution of our solar system (as well as to the planning of space missions to explore them). A workshop held jointly by the Royal Greenwich Observatory and the Institute of Astronomy, in Cambridge, offered an unusual opportunity to bring together astronomers from the fields of Galactic and solar system astrometry. Gathered in this volume are the articles they presented. Together, these provide an auspicious review of optical astrometry and our understanding of the evolution of the Galaxy and solar system for graduate students and researchers.

Astrometry of Fundamental Catalogues
Astrometry of Fundamental Catalogues

Author: Hans G. Walter

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 364257260X

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Celestial fundamental catalogues are a prerequisite for the determination of absolute positions and motions in space. Presently, positional astrometry is at the watershed between classical fundamental catalogues, based on moving reference stars, and modern catalogues, based on extragalactic reference objects with non-measurable motion. This book addresses the concepts and methods of the respective construction techniques leading to the stellar frame of the FK5 (fifth fundamental catalogue) and to the newly adopted extragalactic radio reference frame, ICRF (international celestial reference frame), with its extension to optical wavelengths by the Hipparcos Catalogue. While principal outlines of meridian circle observations are given, emphasis is put in some detail on the VLBI technique as applied to astrometry, and to the observational techniques used in the Hipparcos mission, including the tie of the originally non-anchored rigid Hipparcos sphere into the ICRF.

Transactions of the International Astronomical Union
Transactions of the International Astronomical Union

Author: Immo Appenzeller

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 912

ISBN-13: 9400901631

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IAU Transactions XXIIB summarizes the work of the XXIInd General Assembly. The discourses given during the Inaugural and Closing Ceremonies are reproduced in Chapters I and III, respectively. The proceedings of the two sessions of the General Assembly will be found in Chapter II, which includes the Resolutions and the report of the Finance Committee. The Statutes, Bye-Laws and a few working rules of the Union are published in Chapter IV. The Accounts and other aspects of the administration of the Union are recorded in Chapter V, together with the report of the Executive Committee for this last triennium, and provide the permanent record for the Union in the period 1991-1994. This volume also contains the Commission reports from The Hague compiled by the Presidents of the Commissions (Chapter VI). Finally, Chapter VII contains the list of countries adhering to the Union and the alphabetical, geographical and commission membership lists of about 8000 individual members. The IAU still appears to be unique among the scientific Unions in maintaining this category of individual membership which contributes in a crucial way to the spirit and the aims of the Union.

Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy
Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy

Author: A. Richard Thompson

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2024-11-12

Total Pages: 723

ISBN-13: 3527414525

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In this second edition of Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy, three leading figures in the development of large imaging arrays, including very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI), describe and explain the technology that provides images of the universe with an angular resolution as fine as 1/20,000 of an arcsecond. This comprehensive volume begins with a historical review followed by detailed coverage of the theory of interferometry and synthesis imaging, analysis of interferometer response, geometrical relationships, polarimetry, antennas, and arrays. Discussion of the receiving system continues with analysis of the response to signals and noise, analog design requirements, and digital signal processing. The authors detail special requirements of VLBI including atomic frequency standards, broadband recording systems, and antennas in orbit. Further major topics include: Calibration of data and synthesis of images Image enhancement using nonlinear algorithms Techniques for astrometry and geodesy Propagation in the neutral atmosphere and ionized media Radio interference Related techniques: intensity interferometry, moon occultations, antenna holography, and optical interferometry ”This edition meets current demands by providing a comprehensive account of the techniques used today.“ (La Doc STI) [...] The up-to-date edition of Thompson [...] with its exhaustive bibliography, becomes the indispensable source of background for those already in, or considering, radio astronomy.“ (The Observatory)

Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy
Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy

Author: A. Richard Thompson

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-02-22

Total Pages: 910

ISBN-13: 331944431X

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This book is open access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license. The third edition of this indispensable book in radio interferometry provides extensive updates to the second edition, including results and technical advances from the past decade; discussion of arrays that now span the full range of the radio part of the electromagnetic spectrum observable from the ground, 10 MHz to 1 THz; an analysis of factors that affect array speed; and an expanded discussion of digital signal-processing techniques and of scintillation phenomena and the effects of atmospheric water vapor on image distortion, among many other topics. With its comprehensiveness and detailed exposition of all aspects of the theory and practice of radio interferometry and synthesis imaging, this book has established itself as a standard reference in the field. It begins with an overview of the basic principles of radio astronomy, a short history of the development of radio interferometry, and an elementary discussion of the operation of an interferometer. From this foundation, it delves into the underlying relationships of interferometry, sets forth the coordinate systems and parameters to describe synthesis imaging, and examines configurations of antennas for multielement synthesis arrays. Various aspects of the design and response of receiving systems are discussed, as well as the special requirements of very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI), image reconstruction, and recent developments in image enhancement techniques and astrometric observations. Also discussed are propagation effects in the media between the source and the observer, and radio interference, factors that limit performance. Related techniques are introduced, including intensity interferometry, optical interferometry, lunar occultations, tracking of satellites in Earth orbit, interferometry for remote Earth sensing, and holographic measurements of antenna surfaces. This book will benefit anyone who is interested in radio interferometry techniques for astronomy, astrometry, geodesy, or electrical engineering.

The Carbon Star Phenomenon
The Carbon Star Phenomenon

Author: International Astronomical Union. Symposium

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2000-07-31

Total Pages: 672

ISBN-13: 9780792363460

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Proceedings of the 177th Symposium of the International Astronomical Union, held in Antalya, Turkey, May 27-31, 1996

Astronomy from Wide-Field Imaging
Astronomy from Wide-Field Imaging

Author: H.T. MacGillivray

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 722

ISBN-13: 9401111464

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H.T. MacGilLIVRAY Royal Observatory Blackford Hill Edinburgh EH9 3HJ Scotland U.K. lAU Symposium No. 161 on 'Astronomy from Wide-Field Imaging', held in Potsdam, Germany, during 23-27th August 1993, was the first conference organised by the recently-formed Working Group of lAU Commission 9 on 'Wide-Field Imaging'. This Working Group was instigated during the XXIst meeting of the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union in Buenos Aires in 1991, and represented a merging of the former formal lAU Working Group on 'Astronomical Photography' and the informal 'Digitised Optical Sky Surveys' Working Group. Dr. Richard West was 'invited' to be Chairperson, and hence was given the daunting task of organising the Group from scratch. The very fact that the first conference after only two years was a major lAU Symposium says much about the determination and enthusiasm of Richard West to fulfilling the aims of the new Working Group. The siting of the conference in Potsdam in formerly East Germany provided an excellent opportunity to advantage from the political changes in Eastern Europe. Good access to the meeting was possible by scientists from Eastern European countries, allowing exchange of information on the very important Wide-Field facilities in both East and West, information on the rich archives of photographic plates that exist in both East and West, and allowing discussions between scientists facing very similar problems in both East and West.