1. Using the parallax method, let us now calculate the distance to a-Centauri (pronounced as "Alpha Centauri"), the closest star to the Sun. Note that the short side of the triangle is now equal to twice the semi-major axis of the Earth's orbit, S = 2 AU. The parallax angle is 0 = 1.5096". Calculate the distance to a-Centauri in AU.

1. Using the parallax method, let us now calculate the distance to a-Centauri (pronounced as "Alpha Centauri"), the closest star to the Sun. Note that the short side of the triangle is now equal to twice the semi-major axis of the Earth's orbit, S = 2 AU. The parallax angle is 0 = 1.5096". Calculate the distance to a-Centauri in AU.

Stars and Galaxies (MindTap Course List)

10th Edition

ISBN:9781337399944

Author:Michael A. Seeds

Publisher:Michael A. Seeds

Chapter9: The Family Of Stars

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 3P

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On Earth, the parallax angle measured for the star Procyon is 0.29 arcseconds. If you were to measure Procyon's parallax angle from Venus, what would the parallax angle be? (Note: Earth's orbital radius is larger than Venus's orbital radius.) A. more than 0.29 arcseconds O B. 0.29 arcseconds O C. less than 0.29 arcseconds D. zero arcseconds (no parallax)
Use this interactive simulation of stellar parallax. Change the distance to the star to values given in column 2. Write down the parallax angle in arcsec for each distance. Convert the parallax angle to radians. Calculate the distance. If your calculation is correct, your number in the last column should be similar to the number in column 2 (NOT THE SAME!). 1 AU is 4.85 x 10-6 pc (Don't write units with your answer!) Measured (true) Parallax angle n (in radians) (use 2 significant D (round your answer to 2 figures) Calculated distance Object Parallax angle (in arcsec) Distance from Position "Sun" in pc decimal places) Nearest 0.5 Intermediate 1 Farthest 1.5
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Use a diagram to explain what is meant by the parallax angle, p, for a star observed twice from Earth, with a 6-month interval between each observation. Hence define the parsec, and calculate its value in astronomical units and metres. The star Betelgeuse is observed to have a parallax angle p = 4.5 × 10−3 arcseconds. State the distance of Betelgeuse in units of parsecs and light years.
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Stellar parallax is used as a tool to determine distances to stars. Describe how stellar parallax works. Also discuss the limiting factors in its use and the maximum distance that can be accurately measured using this technique. Do you believe this concept is unique to astronomy or used in other technical disciplines? Provide examples.