Systematic Effects in Earth Orientation Parameters Determined by VLBI

Abstract:

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is the only technique that directly connects on the observation level the realizations of ITRS and ICRS in terms of their orientation. Many applications in spacecraft navigation, fundamental astronomy, astrometry and geosciences depend on the Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) determined by VLBI. Currently, under the IAG/IAU Joint Working Group on the Theory of Earth Rotation, activities are supported to advance the theory of Earth rotation. Some components of Earth Rotation, such as the free modes like the Free Core Nutation (FCN) are not predictable but rely entirely on the observation through VLBI.

In our presentation we investigate the EOP when alternating various VLBI analysis options such as correction models, a priori parameters, and other choices with the aim to detect and quantify possible systematic effects. Our approach is purely empirical: we alternate certain analysis options and assess the differences with respect to the reference solution that adheres to the IERS Conventions (2010) and applies the standard parameterization. For demonstration we analyze the regular International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS) sessions IVS-R1 and IVS-R4.The IAG flagship component GGOS (Global Geodetic Observing System) aims to provide the EOP with an accuracy of 1 mm on the Earth surface (about 30 microarcseconds). This accuracy target will be applied as a limit to interpret the significance of the differences obtained in our comparisons.