VVV/VVVX Astrometry and Light Curves: Progress Towards VIRAC2

by Leigh Smith

I will briefly discuss the results of an independent VIRCAM astrometric analysis performed using Gaia DR2 indicating that astrometry is unstable at >15 mas even between consecutive observations. I will describe the state of VIRAC version 2, approximately twice the size and twice as precise as its predecessor. Finally, I will also discuss some of the science being conducted in collaboration with others based on the current state of VIRAC2 including microlensing, Galactic dynamics and some highly unusual variable stars.