Techniques for Measuring Parallax and Proper Motion with VLBI

TL;DR

This paper discusses techniques for high-precision astrometry using VLBI, enabling accurate measurements of parallax and proper motion to map the Milky Way's structure.

Contribution

It provides detailed methodologies for achieving micro-arcsecond astrometry with VLBI, including observation scheduling, data calibration, and position measurement procedures.

Findings

Achieved ~1 micro-arcsecond accuracy in astrometry.

Demonstrated successful mapping of the Milky Way's spiral structure.

Outlined effective calibration and scheduling techniques for VLBI astrometry.

Abstract

Astrometry at centimeter wavelengths using Very Long Baseline Interferometry is approaching accuracies of ~1 uas for the angle between a target and a calibrator source separated by <1 degree on the sky. The BeSSeL Survey and the Japanese VERA project are using this to map the spiral structure of the Milky Way by measuring trigonometric parallaxes of hundreds of maser sources associated with massive, young stars. This paper outlines how micro-arcsecond astrometry is done, including details regarding the scheduling of observations, calibration of data, and measuring positions.