Past Projects

Examples of programmes which have been undertaken by the Carlsberg Meridian Telescope using the old micrometer system are as follows:

• 2000 G-type dwarf stars within 30 pc: derive proper motions for a kinematically unbiased photometric catalogue to investigate the ``G-dwarf problem''.

• 6000 reference stars (m = 10-12) in fields of QSOs : derive accurate positions for reduction of photographic plates, and so derive optical positions of QSOs to link with radio (VLBI) positions.

• Astrometric grid of reference stars for constructing a deep CCD image of the Galactic Centre.

• 18400 reference stars for calibrating the second version of the HST Guide Star Catalogue.

• 10500 F stars within 100pc: improved proper motions for kinematic studies.

• Observations of planets and/or their satellites in the outer Solar System, mainly for input to the JPL integrations of planetary orbits which are used in planning space missions.

• 99 minor planets : positions for dynamical studies and magnitudes for physical studies.

• Regular observations of novae and supernovae when they occur: data published in IAU Circulars.

• A small number of stars are being monitored for long term brightness fluctuations. e.g. the mass losing supergiant P Cygni and the recurrent nova RS Oph.