GAIA and the Extragalactic Distance Scale

Abstract

The local (v<1200kms) and the cosmic expansion field out to 30000kms-1 are characterized by Ho=58. While the random error is small (+-2), it may still be affected by systematic errors as large as 10%. The local expansion is outlined by Cepheids and by Cepheid-calibrated TF distances of a complete sample of field galaxies and by nearby groups and clusters; the cosmic expansion is defined by Cepheid-calibrated SNeIa. The main source of systematic errors are therefore the shape and the zero point of the P-L relation of Cepheids and its possible dependence on metallicity. GAIA will essentially eliminate these error sources. Another source of systematic error is due to the homogenization of SNeIa as to decline rate Delta m_15 and color (B-V). GAIA will discover about half of the 2200 SNeIa which will occur during a four-year lifetime within 10000kms. For many of them ground-based follow-up will provide useful photometric parameters (and spectra), which will allow to fix the dependence of the SNeIa luminosity on Delta m_15 and (B-V) with high accuracy. At the same time they will yield exquisite distances to an corresponding number of field galaxies. - GAIA will also revolutionize the very local distance scale by determining fundamental distances of the companion galaxies of the Milky Way and even of some spirals in- and possibly outside the Local Group from their rotation curves seen in radial velocities and proper motions. Moreover, GAIA will obtain trigonometric parallaxes of RR Lyrae stars, of red giants defining the TRGB, of stars on the ZAMS, of White Dwarf defining their cooling sequence, and of globular clusters, and determine the metallicity dependence of these distance indicators. It will thus establish a self-controlling network of distance indicators within the Local Group and beyond.