Space Astrometry Missions for Exoplanet Science: Gaia and the Legacy of Hipparcos

Abstract

Astrometry as a technique has so far proved of limited utility when employed as either a follow-up tool or to independently search for planetary-mass companions around stars in the solar neighborhood. However, the situation is bound to change soon. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of past and present efforts to detect planets via milli-arcsecond (mas) astrometry, with a special focus on the legacy of the Hipparcos mission. We then focus on the Gaia mission that is poised to become a game changer in the field of exoplanets by unleashing for the first time the power of micro-arcsecond (μas) astrometry. We start by briefly describing the mission status and operation. Next, we address some of the relevant technical issues associated with the precise and accurate determination of astrometric orbits of planetary systems using Gaia data. We then present and discuss the Gaia planet-finding capabilities. We conclude by putting Gaia astrometry in context, illustrating its potential for crucial contributions to exoplanetary science in synergy with other indirect and direct methods for the detection and characterization of planetary systems