ASPCS
 
Back to Volume
Paper: Performance of the Gaia Mission
Volume: 338, Astrometry in the Age of the Next Generation of Large Telescopes
Page: 25
Authors: Lindegren, L.; de Bruijne, J.H.J.
Abstract: The expected performance of the Gaia mission is outlined. The improvement compared with Hipparcos in the accuracy, number of objects and limiting magnitude is staggering, and we focus on explaining how such a gain can be achieved. After a brief overview of the mission and the astrometric instrument, we discuss fundamental limitations set by diffraction and photon noise, and practical limitations in terms of image sampling, geometry of observations, and calibrations. A comprehensive Gaia Accuracy Analysis Tool has been developed in order to obtain realistic estimates of the astrometric accuracy, including all identified error sources, and to assist optimization and trade-off. To ensure consistency of assumptions and the use of updated parameters in all analysis and simulations, a Gaia Parameter Database has been set up.
Back to Volume