Eclipsing binaries as precise standard candles

Abstract

Double-lined eclipsing binaries provide the most direct method for accurate distance determinations to Local Group galaxies. The observations needed to apply the method can now be obtained, and a large number of new candidates are available. Recent results show that an accuracy of about 3% can now realistically be reached. With existing and future interferometric and astrometric facilities, the method might become completely scale independent. It bridges those reaching farther out in the Universe, e.g. based on Cepheids, and thereby provides unique possibilities for their precise calibration.