The promise of Gaia and how it will influence stellar ages

TL;DR

Gaia will revolutionize astrophysics by providing high-quality data on a billion stars, enabling breakthroughs in understanding the Milky Way, stellar evolution, cosmic distances, dark matter, and fundamental physics.

Contribution

This paper describes Gaia's instrument and highlights specific science cases where Gaia data will significantly advance astrophysical knowledge.

Findings

Enhanced mapping of the Milky Way

Improved stellar classification and parameters

Refined measurements of cosmic distances and ages

Abstract

The Gaia space project, planned for launch in 2011, is one of the ESA cornerstone missions, and will provide astrometric, photometric and spectroscopic data of very high quality for about one billion stars brighter than V=20. This will allow to reach an unprecedented level of information and knowledge on several of the most fundamental astrophysical issues, such as mapping of the Milky Way, stellar physics (classification and parameterization), Galactic kinematics and dynamics, study of the resolved stellar populations in the Local Group, distance scale and age of the Universe, dark matter distribution (potential tracers), reference frame (quasars, astrometry), planet detection, fundamental physics, Solar physics, Solar system science. I will present a description of the instrument and its main characteristics, and discuss a few specific science cases where Gaia data promise to contribute fundamental improvement within the scope of this Symposium.