Stellar Kinematics of the Bulge from HST Proper Motion Measurements

Abstract

I report on an ongoing programme of proper motion measurements in the Galactic Bulge, using HST images. As a first application, the data are used to derive the vertical gravitational acceleration on the minor axis of the Galaxy. Implications of the measurement for the flattening of the Galactic potential are discussed.

Invited Talk, "Milky Way Surveys: The Structure and Evolution of Our Galaxy" meeting, Boston University Jun 15-17, 2003