Welcome to MW-Gaia

MW-GAIA will provide European leadership in understanding the Galaxy, its stars and planets, enhance the potential of the community in its scientific exploitation of the observations of more than a billion stars with the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, and enhance the development of the next steps in astrometry and space astrometry missions.

The Action brings together key stakeholders from across Europe, to leverage expertise, and develop new techniques to fully maximise the scientific returns from Gaia's rich and complex data.

Five key challenges are addressed: The Milky Way as a Galaxy, The Life and Death of Stars; Planetary Systems Near and Far; Gaia Fundamentals: Space and Time; and Astrometry Innovation Challenge – towards sub-μas astrometry. COST enables the vital Action activities, supporting exchanges, training and meetings.

The Action will have a significant legacy, creating a dynamic and vibrant network of researchers with expertise in the study of the Milky Way, its constituents and the art of Astrometry. Participation is inclusive, with researchers accessing the Network from across Europe, irrespective of their gender or location.

This COST Action commenced 14 Mar 2019 and completed 13 Sep 2023.