How can I find the distance between Epsilon Indi and Tau Ceti?

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SUMMARY

Epsilon Indi and Tau Ceti are 11.49 light-years apart. To determine the distance between these stars, one can utilize their celestial coordinates (right ascension and declination) and apply basic trigonometry to construct a triangle. For those unfamiliar with celestial coordinates, using planetarium software like Celestia, which is freely available, simplifies the process significantly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of celestial coordinates (right ascension and declination)
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry
  • Familiarity with planetarium software
  • Access to Celestia or similar tools
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to calculate distances between stars using celestial coordinates
  • Learn to use Celestia for astronomical calculations
  • Explore advanced trigonometric methods for astronomical distance measurement
  • Study the concept of equilateral triangles in celestial navigation
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Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in calculating distances between stars in the night sky.

Chinspinner
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Hi,

I wonder if anyone can either answer the following or point me in the right direction for the answer?

How far apart are Epsilon Indi and Tau Ceti?

Thanks in advance.

Chinspinner
 
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They're 11.49 ly apart.
The two stars and Sol create a very nearly equilateral triangle.

Normally, if you need to find out such information, you should find the angle between the stars on the sky from their measured celestial coordinates (right ascension and declination) as well as distances, build a triangle with that information and use basic trigonometry to get the length of the third side of the triangle.

If you're not familiar with celestial coordinates, it can prove a bit of a pain in the neck to get there, so you could instead use a planetarium software to do it for you.

The one I use is Celestia, and it's freely available on the net.
 
Thanks Bander. I'll look up Celestia.
 

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