Celestial fundamental catalogues are a prerequisite for the determination of absolute positions and motions in space. Presently, positional astrometry is at the watershed between classical fundamental catalogues, based on moving reference stars, and modern catalogues, based on extragalactic reference objects with non-measurable motion. This book addresses the concepts and methods of the respective construction techniques leading to the stellar frame of the FK5 (Fifth Fundamental Catalogue) and to the newly adopted extragalactic radio reference frame, ICRF (International Celestial Reference Frame), with its extension to optical wavelengths by the Hipparcos Catalogue. While principal outlines of meridian circle observations are given, emphasis is put in some detail on the VLBI technique as applied to astrometry, and to the observational techniques used in the Hipparcos mission, including the tie of the originally non-anchored rigid Hipparcos sphere into the ICRF.

Hersteller:
Springer Verlag GmbH
[email protected]
Tiergartenstr. 17
DE 69121 Heidelberg

Fundamental Catalogues.- The Conventional Fundamental Catalogue FK5.- Astrometry with Radio Interferometers.- The Fundamental Catalogue of Extragalactic Radio Sources: ICRF.- Contribution of Space Astrometry to Fundamental Catalogues.- Hipparcos Catalogue Tie with Conventional Celestial Reference Frames.- Scope of the Radio/Optical Frame of Reference.- Future Prospects.- References.