Galactic distance scales

Abstract

This chapter begins with a discussion of the basic methods of determining astronomical distances, particularly, trigonometrical, statistical, and pulsational parallaxes. It then summarizes the current state of the calibration of various classes of pulsating variables (Classical Cepheids, type-II Cepheids, RR Lyraes, Miras, and Sct and SX Phe stars). Work on other distance indicators (e.g., the red giant clump and the tip of the red giant branch) is also summarized. The use of spectroscopic parallaxes and their application to supergiants and common stars as well as the methods of determining the distances to open and globular clusters are discussed. To illustrate and compare different distance indicators, their use in estimating the scale length of our Galaxy, and the distance to Galactic centre as well as the distances to the LMC, the Fornax dwarf spheroidal, and the spiral galaxy NGC4258 is discussed in some detail. An appendix summarizes some common bias problems that arise in the calibration and use of distance indicators.