posted on 2023-05-23, 10:18authored byGreen, JA, Jan van Langevelde, H, Brunthaler, A, Simon EllingsenSimon Ellingsen, Imai, H, Vlemmings, W, Reid, M, Richards, A
We discuss the unique opportunities for maser astrometry with the inclusion of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) networks. The first phase of the SKA will enable observations of hydroxyl and methanol masers, positioning the latter to an accuracy of 5 microarcseconds, and the second phase may allow water maser observations. These observations will provide trigonometric distances with errors as small as 1%. The unrivalled sensitivity of the SKA will enable large-scale surveys and, through joint operations, will turn any VLBI network into a fast astrometry device. Both evolved stars and high mass star formation regions will be accessible throughout the (Southern) Milky Way, completing our understanding of the content, dynamics and history of our Galaxy. Maser velocities and proper motions will be measurable in the Local Group of galaxies and beyond, providing new insights into their kinematics and evolution.
History
Publication title
Advancing Astrophysics with the Square Kilometre Array
Editors
TL Bourke, R Braun, R Fender et al
Pagination
73-81
ISBN
978-1-909204-70-6
Department/School
School of Natural Sciences
Publisher
Dolman Scott Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Event title
Advancing Astrophysics with the Square Kilometre Array
Event Venue
Giardini Naxos, Italy
Date of Event (Start Date)
2014-06-09
Date of Event (End Date)
2014-06-13
Rights statement
Copyright 2015 the Author Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/