Faint objects in motion: the new frontier of high precision astrometry

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential of high-precision space-based astrometry missions to study faint objects in motion, advancing our understanding of the universe from nearby stars to distant galaxies.

Contribution

It proposes the scientific importance of a flexible, high-precision astrometry instrument and reviews existing and potential mission concepts to achieve this goal.

Findings

High-precision astrometry can detect Earth-mass planets and distant galaxy motions.

Proposed missions like NEAT, micro-NEAT, and Theia aim to address these scientific goals.

Technological innovations can enable new mission configurations for faint object motion studies.

Abstract

Sky survey telescopes and powerful targeted telescopes play complementary roles in astronomy. In order to investigate the nature and characteristics of the motions of very faint objects, a flexibly-pointed instrument capable of high astrometric accuracy is an ideal complement to current astrometric surveys and a unique tool for precision astrophysics. Such a space-based mission will push the frontier of precision astrometry from evidence of Earth-mass habitable worlds around the nearest stars, to distant Milky Way objects, and out to the Local Group of galaxies. As we enter the era of the James Webb Space Telescope and the new ground-based, adaptive-optics-enabled giant telescopes, by obtaining these high precision measurements on key objects that Gaia could not reach, a mission that focuses on high precision astrometry science can consolidate our theoretical understanding of the local Universe, enable extrapolation of physical processes to remote redshifts, and derive a much more consistent picture of cosmological evolution and the likely fate of our cosmos. Already several missions have been proposed to address the science case of faint objects in motion using high precision astrometry missions: NEAT proposed for the ESA M3 opportunity, micro-NEAT for the S1 opportunity, and Theia for the M4 and M5 opportunities. Additional new mission configurations adapted with technological innovations could be envisioned to pursue accurate measurements of these extremely small motions. The goal of this White Paper is to address the fundamental science questions that are at stake when we focus on the motions of faint sky objects and to briefly review instrumentation and mission profiles.