Astrometry in the Future

Abstract

The introduction of the extragalactic reference frame and the availability of the Hipparcos and Tycho catalogs will have major impacts on changing the accuracy levels of astrometry in the future. There is a need for accurate densification of the reference frames down to at least 20^th magnitude, Also accurate space motions and distances will be required. The ground based observations must be supplemented by space missions. In addition to traditional positional astrometry, the scientific applications of planetary detection, distance scales, multiple star systems, mass detections, solar system motions and geodesy will be advanced by the new accuracies.