How Can You Measure Star Distances Using Ancient Astronomical Techniques?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around measuring distances to stars using ancient astronomical techniques, specifically focusing on the use of parallax methods and traditional instruments available before the 1600s. Participants explore practical approaches to achieve this within the constraints of a controlled environment where the stars are simulated.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the challenge of measuring distances to six fixed stars using parallax methods and traditional instruments, emphasizing the limitation of using materials prior to the 1600s.
  • Another participant suggests using sextants and cross staffs for measuring angles, questioning whether the stars are real or artificial, and notes that the first stellar parallaxes were measured in the mid-1800s.
  • A later reply confirms that the stars are indeed artificial and expresses confusion about how to use the instruments to find distance.
  • One participant introduces an analogy involving alternating views from each eye to illustrate the concept of parallax, suggesting that this might inspire ideas for measuring distances to the model stars.
  • Another participant mentions the necessity of taking measurements six months apart to utilize the Earth's orbital diameter as a baseline for triangulation.
  • A subsequent reply challenges the necessity of this approach given the artificial nature of the stars, implying that simpler methods may suffice.
  • A humorous suggestion is made to simply walk to the opposite side of the room to measure the distance, indicating a light-hearted take on the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the methods to measure distances, with some suggesting traditional techniques and others questioning their applicability to the artificial stars. There is no consensus on a definitive approach, and the discussion remains open-ended.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of using ancient techniques and the specific context of measuring distances to artificial stars, which may not align with traditional astronomical methods. The discussion also reflects uncertainty regarding the practical application of parallax in this scenario.

Garret
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Hello,

Well let me give a pithy description of what’s going on. There are 6 fixed stars (constellation) within a building and an observatory, which is the only place measurements of distances and positions can be calculated. Now I need to find the distance to each start using parallax methods and quadrant, etc. Also, I can only use materials prior to the 1600’s, so no lasers (Sorry Dr. Evil), plastics, lenses, etc. Then I’m supposed to plot the positions of each start with right ascension and declination. Now the problem I’m having is visually seeing how I would do this with instruments in an accurate manner. A little help on how to approach this using parallax method and other instruments/methods would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Garret & Colleagues
 
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Astronomers from that era used sextants and cross staffs for measuring angles:

link

If you can find something like a metal protractor, that would probably fit the requirements. Do I understand correctly that these are fake stars on the ceiling of a building? Cause if they're real ones, you're pretty screwed. The first stellar parallaxes weren't measured until the mid 1800s.
 
SpaceTiger said:
Astronomers from that era used sextants and cross staffs for measuring angles:

link

If you can find something like a metal protractor, that would probably fit the requirements. Do I understand correctly that these are fake stars on the ceiling of a building? Cause if they're real ones, you're pretty screwed. The first stellar parallaxes weren't measured until the mid 1800s.

First, I'd like to say thanks. Second, the stars are fake and suspended/attached to the ceiling. Though, I'm still some what confused on how to use the instruments to find distance...
 
Garret said:
Though, I'm still some what confused on how to use the instruments to find distance...

Have you ever done that little experiment where you put up a finger and then look at it with one eye at a time, alternating? See how your finger flips back and forth across your field of view? That's because each eye is looking at it from a different angle. Try moving your finger to different distances from your eyes. Does it flip more or less when it's closer?

Think about this for a bit and hopefully you'll get some ideas for how you can measure the distance to your model stars.

NOTE: I'm not suggesting you use just your eyes. That would probably be a really difficult measurement to make, for reasons you can hopefully figure out.
 
Last edited:
I assume you know you must take your measurements 6 months apart. The diameter of the Earth's orbit [1000 light seconds] then becomes the base of a triangle. You then take the angular displacement vs selected background stars at each position and calculate the other legs of the triangle.
 
Chronos said:
I assume you know you must take your measurements 6 months apart.

I don't think that's necessary with his hanging stars. :wink:
 
Hehe, ok. Just walk to the opposite side of the room and measure the distance.
 

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