Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Jan 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000fepc.conf..492u&link_type=abstract
From Extrasolar Planets to Cosmology: The VLT Opening Symposium: Proceedings of the ESO Symposium Held at Antofagasta, Chile, 1-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
1
Michelson Interferometers, Planetary Mass, Astrometry, Astrophysics, Space Missions, Stellar Structure, Imaging Techniques, Galactic Structure, Radial Velocity, Reference Stars, Stellar Motions
Scientific paper
The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) will be the first space-based long baseline Michelson interferometer designed for precision astrometry. It will address a wide range of problems in stellar astrophysics and Galactic structure, delivering precision astrometry of stars down to 20 magnitude throughout the entire Galaxy. SIM uses a 10-m Michelson interferometer in Earth-trailing solar orbit to provide 4 microarcsecond (gas) precision astrometry. With a 5-year mission lifetime, SIM will be a powerful tool for discovering planets around nearby stars, through detection of the stellar reflex motion. The astrometric method complements the radial velocity technique which as already yielded many new planets, with an important benefit of directly measuring planetary masses. SIM will have a single-measurement precision of 1 microarcsecond in a frame defined by nearby reference stars, enabling searches for planets with masses as small as a few earth masses around the nearest stars. More massive planets will be detectable to much larger distances. In addition to precision astrometry SIM will also serve an important role as a technology precursor for future astrophysics missions using interferometers. Two technologies demonstrated will be high dynamic-range aperture synthesis imaging at 10-milliarcsec resolution in the optical, and fringe nulling to 10 -4.
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