absolute astrometry

Absolute astrometry is the branch of astronomy that precisely measures the positions and motions of celestial objects, like stars and planets, in relation to a fixed reference frame. Unlike relative astrometry, which focuses on the positions of objects relative to each other, absolute astrometry aims to establish their exact locations in space. This is important for understanding the structure and movement of our universe, as it helps astronomers track how objects evolve over time, study their distances, and improve our knowledge of gravitational interactions and the cosmos as a whole.