Astrometry and Astrophysics in the Gaia Sky (IAU S330)

This book reviews the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, detailing its groundbreaking measurements of stellar distances and ages, significantly advancing astrophysical knowledge.

The Astrometry and Astrophysics in the Gaia Sky (IAU S330) explores the groundbreaking work of the European Space Agency's Gaia mission. This mission aims to create an extensive survey of the entire sky, measuring the distances and ages of approximately one billion stars with remarkable precision. The first two and a half years of Gaia's activities are reviewed, highlighting the significant scientific results derived from its initial data release. Astrometry has always played a crucial role in astronomy, leading to numerous revolutionary discoveries, and Gaia's advancements are no exception.

Through astrometric, photometric, and spectroscopic surveying, the Astrometry and Astrophysics in the Gaia Sky (IAU S330) presents a comprehensive analysis of stellar distances and ages. The mission's capabilities allow for the estimation of these parameters with unprecedented accuracy, providing invaluable insights into the kinematics of stars. The combination of radial velocities, photometric, and spectroscopic data enables researchers to classify celestial objects and better understand the astrophysical characteristics of stars.

The increased precision of astrometric measurements has significantly enhanced our understanding of the Milky Way and the physical processes that govern stellar and galactic evolution. Many experts believe that the Gaia mission represents a transformative leap in astronomy, akin to the impact of the telescope's invention four centuries ago. This book serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in the ongoing revolution in our understanding of the cosmos.