Astrometer

/æsˈtrɑː.mə.tər/ noun

Definition

A precision instrument used to measure the positions and movements of stars and celestial objects with great accuracy.

Etymology

From Greek 'astron' (star) and 'metron' (measure). Astrometers have been refined since the telescope's invention, becoming increasingly precise tools in modern astronomy.

Kelly Says

The best astrometers can measure star positions more accurately than you could measure the width of a human hair from miles away—this precision revealed that stars move and enabled the discovery of exoplanets!

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