Astrometric

/ˌæs.troʊˈme.trɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the measurement of the positions, distances, and movements of stars and other celestial objects.

Etymology

From 'astro-' (star) and Greek 'metrikos' (relating to measurement). The discipline crystallized in the 1600s as telescopes enabled precise stellar position cataloging.

Kelly Says

Astrometry was how we discovered that Proxima Centauri's light shifts slightly back and forth—proving an invisible exoplanet was orbiting it, opening the door to finding thousands of worlds!

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