Astrometry in China

Extract

The space age and modern technology have opened a new era for astrometry. A great amount of modern, precise astrometric data and approaches is urgently needed not only for astrophysics but also for Earth Science research. The Astrometric Community looks forward to establishing a precisely specified uniform celestial frame of reference for all purposes, which will link the bright stars, faint stars, and galaxies, down to the remote radio sources, and to establish a terrestrial frame of reference as well as to specify a precise transformation between these two frames. Effective international cooperation is the goal of all astrometrists. The Chinese astronomers are ready to join and play an active part in this cooperation.