Astrometry and Photometry: Real Science

Abstract

Astrometry, the measurement of position, and Photometry, the measurement of brightness, have undergone a dramatic increase in interest. Two events have probably been responsible for this. Firstly the European Space Authority’s Hipparcos Space Astrometry Mission, which produced a celestial treasure trove of astrometric and photometric data, the accuracy of which had never been seen before. The second was the advent of affordable CCD cameras for the amateur. This meant for the first time astrometry and photometry were no longer the preserve of the specialist with exotic equipment. The ordinary amateur could now do real science with his backyard telescope and CCD camera. These devices provide ready digitised images from which, using appropriate software, position and brightness can be measured.