Measuring the distance to stars using parallax

AI Thread Summary
Parallax is a method used to measure the distance to stars by observing their position from two different points in Earth's orbit, typically six months apart. The angle formed by the star's apparent shift provides the necessary data to calculate distance, using Earth's orbital diameter as a baseline. Most stars exhibit minimal motion over short periods, making parallax measurements straightforward. For stars with significant motion, proper motion must be accounted for by taking multiple measurements to ensure accuracy. Overall, parallax remains a reliable technique for determining stellar distances despite the challenges posed by stellar motion.
alemsalem
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how can you use the angle to determine the distance if you don't know the motion of the star itself.
is it by observing the star from the same point in two different years and then subtracting off this effect?
 
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Motion? That doesn't have anything to do with the distance. The difference in position provides you an angle and the diameter of Earth's orbit a measuring stick.

Try drawing a diagram.
 
Most stars do not move significantly over the course of 6 - 12 months. For those that do you can simply figure out the proper motion and correct for it to find the parallax.
 

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