Gaia Data Enables New Methods of Analysis and Discovery (Abstract)

Volume 48 number 2 (2020)

John E. Hoot

SSC observatories, 1303 S. Ola Vista, San Clemente, CA 92672; jhoot@ssccorp.com

Abstract

(Abstract only) The release of highly precise parallax astrometry, proper motion, photometry, and spectral data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia satellite makes possible a paradigm shift in the way we can target, analyze, and exploit small telescope spectroscopic and photometric observation. This paper explores employing data from ESA’s Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics [Gaia] mission in conjunction with small telescope photometric and spectroscopic observations to develop several new and novel methods for exploring our galaxy, classifying and modeling stars, modeling the evolution of star clusters, and identifying candidate unique or variable stars for observation.