An internally consistent distance framework in the Local Group

TL;DR

This paper reviews efforts to establish a highly consistent set of distance measurements within the Local Group, aiming to improve the foundation of the extragalactic distance ladder for better mass and luminosity estimates.

Contribution

It introduces a new internally consistent distance framework for Local Group galaxies to enhance the accuracy of extragalactic distance measurements.

Findings

Developed a robust set of distance determinations for Local Group galaxies

Proposed an improved statistical basis for the extragalactic distance ladder

Enhanced the reliability of mass and luminosity calculations for distant objects

Abstract

Accurate and precise astronomical distance determinations are crucial for derivations of, among others, the masses and luminosities of a large variety of distant objects. Astronomical distance determination has traditionally relied on the concept of a `distance ladder.' Here we review our recent attempts to establish a highly robust set of internally consistent distance determinations to Local Group galaxies, which we recommend as the statistical basis of an improved extragalactic distance ladder.