Solar Astrometry: The Status of Art in 2011

Abstract

Solar astrometry deals with the accurate measumerent of the solar diameter, and in general with the measurement of the shape of the Sun. During the last decades several techniques have been developed to monitor the radius and the irradiance of the Sun: meridian transits, telescopes in drift-scan mode, solar astrolabes, balloons, and satellites dedicated to the measurements of the solar diameter, and space measurements of the total solar irradiance are now performed to know the relationship radius-luminosity for the Sun in this evolutionary stage of its life. The feedback of solar astrometry in climate studies is of paramount importance. The status of art in the various fields of research here adressed is outlined.