Review of galactic constants

Whereas the 1964 IAU standard values of the constants |R₀=10 kpc, ₀=250 km s^-1, A=15 km s^-1 kpc^-1, and B=-10 km s^-1 kpc^-1|⁠, differ from those currently considered best, the errors of current determinations are still rather large. Although the means of recent determinations lead to a fairly consistent set of values for the four main constants, the agreement may be largely coincidental. However, a case can be made for agreeing on the pair of standard values |R₀=8. 5 kpc and ₀=220 km s^-1|⁠. On the basis of this review these were adopted by resolution of IAU Commission 33 on 1985 November 21 at Delhi.