Solve Parallax Equation: Find Distance to Star in km & ly

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the parallax equation used to calculate the distance to a star based on a given angle and distance measurement. The subject area includes concepts from astronomy and trigonometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the parallax equation and are questioning the units of measurement for distance and angle. There is also a focus on converting the calculated distance into light years and expressing it in exponential form.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing calculations and seeking confirmation of their results, while others are questioning the accuracy of unit conversions and the assumptions made regarding the measurements.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the units of measurement for the distance variable, as well as the need for careful conversion between kilometers and light years.

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please can somebody help me with this parallax equation:

D=distance to star
theta=angle
using the rule D=(d/2)/tan(theta/2)
when d = 300*10tothe6
and theta = 5*10tothe-5

what is the distance to the star in km and light years?
 
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What's the problem?

(d is in what units?)
 
d is in km and theta is in degrees.
This is as close as i can get:
for this answer i get a result of:

343774677078406.6587981892079753

So, is this answer the number of km?

what is this answer in exponential form? ie: 34 * 10tothepower13?

1 light year is 9.467*10tothepower12, so in light years i think the distance will be:
27 light years

Please let me know if i am right
 
D and d have the same units. Your value for D in km is correct, but you messed up the conversion to light years. Do it over, more carefully.
 

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