Search for future astrometric microlensing candidates

General relativity predicts that a massive body, such as a star, passing close to the line of sight of a distant star, would curb the light path of the background star, producing in rare cases multiple images, or more often a shift in the position of the background star. Using large and accurate position catalogues, it may be possible to predict future events which could then be observed using high-precision astrometry instruments that will soon become available. This would then allow an accurate measurement of the mass of the deflecting, nearby star. While most stellar masses are measured in binaries using the Doppler effect, this method uniquely allows to measure mass of single stars, and to provide constraints on the mass-luminosity relation of single stars.

The student would search through existing catalogues for these promising deflector/background pairs, using data mining methods, and select the best candidates for follow-up observations. The project requires (simple) programming skills (in almost any language) on a LINUX station. Knowledge of astronomy and data analysis is not necessary. Minimal duration: 1 month. The project is available immediately.

For more information contact B. Goldman: goldman_at_mpia.de; tel. 06221-528-260.