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Conventions on thermal expansion modelling of radio telescopes for geodetic and astrometric VLBI

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Abstract

Thermal expansion of radio telescopes has long been recognized as an effect which cannot be neglected in geodetic and astrometric VLBI data analysis if millimeter accuracy is desired. In this article, the author documents the conventions which are being set by the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS) for a consistent modelling of this effect in its routine product generation. For the largest telescopes, the annual cycle of thermal expansion may change the height of the VLBI reference point by as much as 20 mm. However, for telescopes which are used in present-day IVS operations, the variations rather range from 4 to 6 mm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation, Nussallee 17, 53115, Bonn, Germany

    Axel Nothnagel

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  1. Axel Nothnagel
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Correspondence to Axel Nothnagel.

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Nothnagel, A. Conventions on thermal expansion modelling of radio telescopes for geodetic and astrometric VLBI. J Geod 83, 787–792 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-008-0284-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-008-0284-z

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