UCAC project goals

• densification of the reference frame beyond Hipparcos/Tycho
• improve accuracy of positions of faint end Tycho-2 stars
• improve link between Hipparcos and the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF)

Applications

• astrometric calibration of other telescopes
• better reference for minor planet observations in general
• allow high precision observations of NEO (Near Earth Orbit) minor planets
• allow exact placement of fiber optics for spectrographic surveys
• accurate astrometry for narrow field imaging, particularly for big telescopes
• allow uncompromized Schmidt plate reductions
• high accuracy proper motions for galactic studies
• major contribution for the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) input catalog