How Can We Quickly Calculate Distances to Stars Without Parallax?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter psychemage
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around methods for calculating distances to stars without using parallax, particularly focusing on quick calculations that could be performed in a matter of seconds. The scope includes theoretical approaches and practical applications in astronomy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for a quick method to calculate distances to stars without relying on parallax, indicating a lack of familiarity with the topic.
  • Another participant suggests that 'standard candles' are commonly used for distance determination, particularly for objects beyond the range of parallax, highlighting Cepheid variables and supernovae as examples.
  • The same participant notes that while Cepheid variables are useful, they are limited in range, and mentions gamma ray bursters as potential next-generation standard candles capable of being observed at much greater distances.
  • One participant asserts that there is no simple method to calculate distances to stars within a 5-second timeframe, emphasizing the need for precise measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that parallax is limited and that standard candles are a viable alternative for distance measurement. However, there is disagreement regarding the feasibility of quick calculations, with some asserting that precise measurements are necessary.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in current methods, including the range of standard candles and the precision required for distance measurements. There are unresolved assumptions regarding the practicality of using different types of standard candles in various contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, students exploring distance measurement techniques, and researchers interested in methods for determining astronomical distances may find this discussion relevant.

psychemage
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Atronomy and Cosmology aren't quite my thing. Anyone think/know of a way to calculate distances from stellar objects, particularly stars, on the fly (ie. from 1 to 5 sec) that doesn't require two telescopes a kilometer apart? I don't much care for parallax (please ignore my spelling). Thank you so much in adnvance to whom ever replies.


~Nick
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Anyone have any suggestions? Anything would be appreciated... thanks again
 
'Standard candles' are usually relied upon for determining distances, especially those beyond the sensititivity of the parallax method [which is quite accurate but severely limited in range]. The first 'standard candles' [objects that have the same absolute brightness] were Cepheid variables. These, however, are too faint to be resolved beyond local galaxies. Certain, very bright types of supernova [SNe 1a in particular] are currently the most useful standard candles. We can approximate fairly distant objects [up to z~1.7] by this method. Gamma ray bursters appear to be the best candidate for the next generation of standard candles. They have been observed at distances up to z~6.5 - which is a quite a chunk of real estate.
 
So, no, there is no simple, 5-second method to calculate the distance to stars. It requires precise measurements.
 

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