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A Small Interferometer in Space for Global Astrometry: The Gaia Concept

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 August 2017

L. Lindegren  and
M.A.C. Perryman
L. Lindegren
Affiliation:
Lund Observatory Box 43 S-22100 Lund Sweden
M.A.C. Perryman
Affiliation:
Astrophysics Division European Space Agency, ESTEC NL-2200 AG Noordwijk The Netherlands

Abstract

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We present a concept for a scanning interferometer for global (wide-angle) astrometry from space. The GAIA concept has been proposed for the European Space Agency's long-term scientific programme. It consists of three Fizeau-type interferometers with 2.5 m baselines, set at large and fixed angles to each other. Complete utilization of the instrument's resolution and sensitivity requires a new type of photon-counting detector, combining very high spatial and temporal resolution. An array of superconducting tunnel junctions (STJ) may ultimately provide this capability. Pending this development we describe a focal-plane configuration for GAIA using existing technology in the form of a modulating grid and CCD detectors. We estimate that 50 million stars brighter than V = 15.5 could be observed on the 10 to 20 microarcsec accuracy level. In addition, high-precision multi-colour, multi-epoch photometry is obtained for all objects.

Type
3. Expected Developments in High Precision Astrometry
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 166: Astronomical and Astrophysical Objectives of Sub-Milliarcsecond Optical Astrometry , 1995 , pp. 337 - 344
Copyright
Copyright © Kluwer 1995 

References

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