Selected astrometric catalogues

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development of astrometric catalogues over 2000 years, highlighting their characteristics, accuracy, and evolution, with updates on historical data and ongoing Gaia mission resources.

Contribution

It compiles and analyzes astrometric catalogues across three key parameters, providing a comprehensive historical overview and updated accuracy assessments.

Findings

Evolution of positional accuracy over 2000 years

Comparison of catalogues based on star count and statistical weight

Updated accuracy data for pre-1800 catalogues

Abstract

A selection of astrometric catalogues are presented in three tables for respectively positions, proper motions and trigonometric parallaxes. The tables contain characteristics of each catalogue showing the evolution in optical astrometry, in fact the evolution during the past 2000 years for positions. The number of stars and the accuracy are summarized by the weight of a catalogue, proportional with the number of stars and the statistical weight. The present report originally from 2008 was revised in 2017 with much new information about the accuracy of catalogues before 1800 AD. For the ongoing Gaia mission the website and H{\o}g (2017) may be consulted.