Observing UT1-UTC with VGOS

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that VGOS can determine UT1-UTC with significantly improved accuracy and precision compared to traditional methods, using a series of observational sessions and detailed data analysis.

Contribution

First application of VGOS for UT1-UTC determination showing enhanced accuracy and lower uncertainties compared to legacy S/X systems.

Findings

VGOS achieves 3-4 times lower formal uncertainties.

RMS agreement with IERS Bulletin B improves by 30-40%.

Results demonstrate VGOS's potential for precise Earth rotation measurements.

Abstract

We present first results of UT1-UTC determinations using the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS). During December 2019 through February 2020 a series of 1~hour long observing sessions were performed using the VGOS stations at Ishioka in Japan and the Onsala twin telescopes in Sweden. The data of this VGOS-B series were correlated, post-correlation processed, and analysed at the Onsala Space Observatory. The derived UT1-UTC results were compared to corresponding results from standard legacy S/X Intensive sessions (INT1/INT2), as well to the final values of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Frame Service (IERS), provided in IERS Bulletin~B. The VGOS-B series achieve 3-4 times lower formal uncertainties for the UT1-UTC results than standard legacy S/X INT series. Furthermore, the root mean square (RMS) agreement with respect to the IERS Bulletin~B is 30-40 % better for the VGOS-B results than for the INT1/INT2 results.