Lecture Description
Fundamental astronomy deals with the definition and realisation of reference systems in the sky and on Earth, as well as the determination of their positions (location, orientation), movements and relative transformations. These reference systems are recognised by objects in the sky and on Earth. Depending on the choice of objects, we speak of fundamental or inertial reference systems. In addition to the definition of reference systems, the determination of the positions and attitude changes (movements) of objects in the sky and on Earth in relation to such systems is a central task of fundamental astronomy. Understood as events in four-dimensional space-time, these positions include both the directions of objects with respect to the reference system under consideration and their distances with respect to the origin of the coordinates.
The lecture Fundamental Astronomy II deals with the theoretical and practical basics of the realisation of celestial reference systems, the determination of distances in the cosmos (cosmological distance scales), as well as astrometric applications of the measurement of positions and movements of objects in the sky (search and characterisation of space debris and natural bodies in the solar system). A particular focus is placed on the sustainable utilisation of near-Earth space and its monitoring using fundamental astronomical methods.
A solid understanding of the material covered in the lecture Fundamental Astronomy I is expected.
