astrometrics
Mapping stellar positions
Astrometrics is the branch of astronomy concerned with precise measurement of celestial positions and movements.
The term gained wider recognition through *Star Trek*, where it names a shipboard department for stellar cartography and navigation: Report to astrometrics for the updated star charts.
Outside fiction, astronomers more commonly use the older term astrometry.
Recognized celestial groupings
- celestialOf the sky above
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- parallaxPosition change from different vantages
- ephemerisCelestial body position chart
celestial sphere · declination · ecliptic · equatorial · magnitude · binary stars · luminosity
Location-finding via astronomical observation
- astrogationInterstellar course plotting
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
- course plottingPlanning a travel route
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
trajectory · orbital mechanics · waypoints · flight path · mission planning · deep space
Accuracy of measurement
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- photometryMeasuring light intensity
- spectroscopyStudy of light-matter interaction
- parsecInterstellar length measure
light-year · arc-second · baseline · triangulation · interferometry · epoch · reference frame
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
- observatoryFacility for celestial study
- spectrographWavelength-separating recording instrument
- interferometerInstrument measuring wave interference
- HubbleRenowned astronomer's surname
Gaia · detector · aperture · focal length · field of view · resolution · tracking · mount
Subset forming smaller space
- quadrantsFour equal divisions
- sectorsDistinct portions of something larger
- holographic displaysProjected three-dimensional imagery
- starshipFictional interstellar vessel
USS Enterprise · space exploration · science officer · interstellar travel
constellations
Recognized celestial groupings
- celestialOf the sky above
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- parallaxPosition change from different vantages
ephemeris · celestial sphere · declination · ecliptic · equatorial · magnitude · binary stars · luminosity
celestial navigation
Location-finding via astronomical observation
- astrogationInterstellar course plotting
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
- course plottingPlanning a travel route
sextant · trajectory · orbital mechanics · waypoints · flight path · mission planning · deep space
precision
Accuracy of measurement
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- photometryMeasuring light intensity
- spectroscopyStudy of light-matter interaction
parsec · light-year · arc-second · baseline · triangulation · interferometry · epoch · reference frame
telescope
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
- observatoryFacility for celestial study
- spectrographWavelength-separating recording instrument
- interferometerInstrument measuring wave interference
Hubble · Gaia · detector · aperture · focal length · field of view · resolution · tracking · mount
subspace
Subset forming smaller space
- quadrantsFour equal divisions
- sectorsDistinct portions of something larger
- holographic displaysProjected three-dimensional imagery
starship · USS Enterprise · space exploration · science officer · interstellar travel
astrometricsspectroscopy
Study of light-matter interaction
astrophysics · photometry · radio astronomy · cosmology · astrobiology
astro, aster, asteroid, asterisk, astral, astronomy, astronomer, astronomical, astronomically