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Preprint No. 53

Author(s): Wielen, R.
Title: A Method for Determining the Individual Accuracy of Astrometric Catalogues
Source: Astron. Astrophys. 302, 613
Year: 1995
Abstract: We present a method for determining empirically the actual accuracy (external errors) of proper motions and positions given in astrometric catalogues. The method is based on a comparison of a sufficient number of independent proper motions and positions. The method can be applied, for example, to a comparison of the basic FK5 and the future Hipparcos catalogue with the aim to determine the external errors of the proper motions in both catalogues separately. A few variations of the same basic method are presented: The tmin method, the mu0 method, and the K method. The expected statistical uncertainty of the derived external errors is discussed, especially as a function of the number of stars used. Numerically simulated catalogues confirm the validity of the results produced by the proposed method. The most disturbing effect may be undetected astrometric binaries.
Preprint issued: December 1994
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