Residual frame rotation between AllWISE and Gaia DR3 (< 5 mas).Abstract
We assess the astrometric quality of the AllWISE catalog and evaluate its potential as an infrared celestial reference frame in the era of Gaia. Using a sample of over one million cross-matched sources between AllWISE and Gaia DR3, we find that the residual frame rotations between the two systems are below 5 mas in orientation and 0.1 mas yr⁻¹ in spin, demonstrating remarkable consistency. After correction for color-dependent and magnitude-dependent biases, the remaining zonal systematics in AllWISE positions are typically < 10 mas. These results confirm that AllWISE can serve as a valuable infrared extension of the Gaia optical frame for multi-wavelength astrometry.
Type
Publication
The Astronomical Journal, 168, 170 (2024)
Highlights
- Orientation differences < 5 mas; spin < 0.1 mas yr⁻¹.
- Zonal systematics after bias correction < 10 mas.
- Confirms AllWISE as a viable infrared celestial reference frame complementary to Gaia.