Irregular Cone Geometry Problem: Finding the Area of an Elliptical Base

[Appity]

Homework Statement

I'm wondering whether or not it is possible to get the area of the base of an elliptical, non-right cone if the following two parameters are known:

- length from center of ellipse up to vertex
- angle that the sides make

Here is a simple visual: http://i.imgur.com/M6jT5.png

Homework Equations

$$A=\pi ab$$

The Attempt at a Solution

I've tried looking at geometry guides with no success. I'm thinking I might be able to use some clever trig and drop a right angle down from the vertex in order to get the length of the semi-minor/major axis, but I can't reason it out. any advice would be appreciated.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Appity!

Hint: slice the cone so that you get a circular cross-section, then use trig to find the area of the projection.