Testing the validity of the ray-tracing code GYOTO

Abstract

In the next few years, the near-infrared interferometer GRAVITY will be able to observe the Galactic center. Astrometric data will be obtained with an anticipated accuracy of 10 $\mu$as. To analyze these future data, we have developed a code called GYOTO to compute orbits and images. We want to assess the validity and accuracy of GYOTO in a variety of contexts, in particular for stellar astrometry in the Galactic center. Furthermore, we want to tackle and complete a study made on the astrometric displacements that are due to lensing effects of a star of the central parsec with GYOTO. We first validate GYOTO in the weak-deflection limit (WDL) by studying primary caustics and primary critical curves obtained for a Kerr black hole. We compare GYOTO results to available analytical approximations and estimate GYOTO errors using an intrinsic estimator. In the strong-deflection limit (SDL), we choose to compare null geodesics computed by GYOTO and the ray-tracing code named Geokerr. Finally, we use GYOTO to estimate the apparent displacements of a star for different angles from Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). We have demonstrated that GYOTO is accurate to a very high level, orders of magnitude better than the GRAVITY requirements. GYOTO is also valid in weak- and strong-deflection regimes and for very long integrations. At the astrometric precision that GRAVITY is aiming for, lensing effects must always be taken into account when fitting stellar orbits in the central parsec of the Galaxy.

11 pages, 12 figures

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Cited by in corpus (9)

• Detection of orbital motions near the last stable circular orbit of the massive black hole SgrA*
• Astrophysical imaging of Kerr black holes with scalar hair
• General relativistic effects on the orbit of the S2 star with GRAVITY
• Observational signatures of hot spots orbiting horizonless objects
• The dark mass signature in the orbit of S2
• Optical appearance of black holes surrounded by a dark matter halo
• Observational imprints of gravastars from accretion disks and hot-spots
• Ultra-deep tidal disruption events: prompt self-intersections and observables
• Examining the Kerr Metric through Wave Fronts of Null Geodesics