A

David

Darling

extragalactic reference frame

An extragalactic reference frame is a reference frame tied to remote extragalactic objects, such as quasars. Such a coordinate system forms a true inertial reference frame because the reference objects are at such great distances that their motions across the sky are undetectable. The extragalactic reference frame that has been adopted by the astronomical community is known as the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF).