Richard de Grijs (Macquarie University)

Richard de Grijs Colloquium: Towards an improved, self-consistent local distance framework

Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

Accurate and precise astronomical distance determinations are crucial for derivations of, among others, the masses and luminosities of a large variety of distant objects. Astronomical distance determination has traditionally relied on the concept of a "distance ladder." Here we review our recent attempts to establish a highly robust set of internally consistent distance determinations to Local Group galaxies as well as the Virgo Cluster, which we recommend as the statistical basis of an improved extragalactic distance ladder.