(Ultra) Precise Astrometry today and tomorrow, with Next-generation Observatories

TL;DR

This paper reviews the advancements and future prospects of high-precision astrometry, emphasizing the role of next-generation observatories and improved techniques in expanding astrophysical research capabilities.

Contribution

It provides an overview of current astrometric methods, discusses upcoming observatories, and highlights the importance of systematic error correction for future precision improvements.

Findings

Demonstrations by EVN and others showcase current capabilities.

Next-generation telescopes like SKA and ngVLA will enhance astrometric precision.

Systematic error correction is crucial for future advancements.

Abstract

High precision astrometry provides the foundation to resolve many fundamental problems in astrophysics. The application of astrometric studies spans a wide range of fields, and has undergone enormous growth in recent years. This is as a consequence of the increasing measurement precision and wide applicability, which is due in turn to the development of new techniques. Forthcoming next generation observatories have the potential to further increase the astrometric precision, providing there is a matching improvement in the methods to correct for systematic errors. The EVN and other observatories are providing demonstrations of these and are acting as pathfinders for next-generation telescopes such as the SKA and ngVLA. We will review the perspectives for the coming facilities and examples of the current state-of-the-art for astrometry.