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Precision Reference Frame
A precision reference frame is the foundation for all dynamical studies in astronomy. SIM Lite will establish an inertial reference frame based on grid stars anchored with extragalactic sources. This will allow, for the first time, the direct detection of the motion of the Solar System within the Milky Way as well as the motion of the Local Group toward the Virgo Cluster at the microarcsec/year level. By linking the SIM Lite optical reference frame and the radio International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF), high-resolution imaging data at these different wavelengths can be accurately lined up for absolute positional correlation. This enables a better understanding of the mechanisms giving rise to their spectral energy emission. (K. Johnston, SIM book Chapter 12).
Recent reports are listed below, along with the originally accepted key project.
Researchers inspired to see what SIM light can do on their own selection of targets can use the SIM Lite Time and Performance Estimator (TaPE) now to explore the performance of SIM Lite.
The Absolute SIM reference Frame and its Relationship to the International Celestial Reference Frame 2006 February
K. J. Johnston, A. L. Fey, N. Zacharias, D. Boboltz, R. A Gaume
Quasars and AGNs 2010 March
Key Project
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Astrophysics of Reference Frame Tie Objects
This program will obtain the data required to determine the motion of the Milky Way relative to extremely distant extra-galactic sources.
Dr. Kenneth J. Johnston
U.S. Naval Observatory
Co-Investigators
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 Summary Full proposal (PDF) SIM book Theme IV |
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