Maser astrometry with VLBI and the SKA
Paper in proceeding, 2014

We discuss the unique opportunities for maser astrometry with the inclusion of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) networks. The first phase of the SKA will enable observations of hydroxyl and methanol masers, positioning the latter to an accuracy of 5 microarcseconds, and the second phase may allow water maser observations. These observations will provide trigonometric distances with errors as small as 1%. The unrivalled sensitivity of the SKA will enable large-scale surveys and, through joint operations, will turn any VLBI network into a fast astrometry device. Both evolved stars and high mass star formation regions will be accessible throughout the (Southern) Milky Way, completing our understanding of the content, dynamics and history of our Galaxy. Maser velocities and proper motions will be measurable in the Local Group of galaxies and beyond, providing new insights into their kinematics and evolution.

Author

J.A. Green

SKA Organisation

H.J. van Langevelde

Leiden University

Andreas Brunthaler

MPIfR

S. Ellingsen

University of Tasmania

H. Imai

Kagoshima University

Wouter Vlemmings

Chalmers, Earth and Space Sciences, Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics

M. Reid

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

A. Richards

University of Manchester

Proceedings of Science

18248039 (eISSN)

Subject Categories

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

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