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Direct distance determination using parallax: Techniques, promises and limitations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2013

Lennart Lindegren
Lennart Lindegren*
Affiliation:
Lund Observatory, Lund University, Box 43, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden email: lennart.lindegren@astro.lu.se
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Abstract

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Determination of trigonometric parallaxes is one of the very few direct methods available for measuring cosmic distances, and the only one capable of reaching beyond the Solar System. It is fundamental both to determine the intrinsic properties of astrophysical objects and as the first step on the cosmic distance ladder. Steady improvements of instruments and techniques have extended the applicability of the parallax method to ever greater distances. However, it is not correct to say that the method is independent of physical assumptions. This review covers ground-based optical techniques, from Bessel's time to the present, as well as space observations and radio interferometry. Some emphasis is put on the physical limitations of the method, in particular its sensitivity to source structure and photocentric variability on different timescales.

Keywords

astrometrystars: distancessolar neighborhoodGalaxy: general
Type
Contributed Papers
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 8 , Symposium S289: Advancing the Physics of Cosmic Distances , August 2012 , pp. 52 - 59
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2013

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