Astrometry with the Keck Interferometer: The ASTRA project and its science

November 2009 • 2009NewAR..53..363P

Authors • Pott, Jorg-Uwe • Woillez, Julien • Akeson, Rachel L. • Berkey, Ben • Colavita, Mark M. • Cooper, Andrew • Eisner, Josh A. • Ghez, Andrea M. • Graham, James R. • Hillenbrand, Lynne • Hrynewych, Michael • Medeiros, Drew • Millan-Gabet, Rafael • Monnier, John • Morrison, Douglas • Panteleeva, Tatyana • Quataert, Eliot • Randolph, Bill • Smith, Brett • Summers, Kellee • Tsubota, Kevin • Tyau, Colette • Weinberg, Nevin • Wetherell, Ed • Wizinowich, Peter L.

Abstract • The sensitivity and astrometry upgrade ASTRA of the Keck Interferometer is introduced. After a brief overview of the underlying interferometric principles, the technology and concepts of the upgrade are presented. The interferometric dual-field technology of ASTRA will provide the KI with the means to observe two objects simultaneously, and measure the distance between them with a precision eventually better than 100 μas. This astrometric functionality of ASTRA will add a unique observing tool to fields of astrophysical research as diverse as exo-planetary kinematics, binary astrometry, and the investigation of stars accelerated by the massive black hole in the center of the Milky Way as discussed in this contribution.

Links

• SIMBAD http://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbo.pl?bibcode=2009NewAR..53..363P
• PREPRINT http://arxiv.org/abs/0811.2264
• ELECTR https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.newar.2010.07.009
• SPIRES http://inspirehep.net/search?p=find+eprint+arXiv:0811.2264