Stargazing Oops, I didn't read the post good enough, sorry!Last edited: Oct 30, 2016

AI Thread Summary
Pluto is 28.6 AU from Earth, and its diameter is 2,274 km. The Hubble Space Telescope has an angular resolution of 0.1 arcseconds, which can be assessed using the small angle formula. By calculating Pluto's angular diameter with the given distance and diameter, one can determine if Hubble can distinguish features on Pluto. Participants encourage using resources like Hubble maps while emphasizing the importance of performing the calculations independently.
LoveTheStars
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I have a question that I could really use some help mathematically on.

At its closest to Earth, Pluto is 28.6 AU from Earth. Can the Hubble Space Telescope distringuish any features on Pluto? Justify your answers using calculations.

Please help!

I know that the diameter of Pluto is 2274km and the angular resolution is 0.1"
The small angle formula can be used and it is:
D= angular size of object in arcsec x distance to object / 206265

(206265 is required and equal to the number of arcseconds in a complete circle)
 
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Welcome to PF.

With the information you have (distance to pluto and diameter of Pluto), you can calculate the angular diameter of Pluto from earth. That'll give you your answer.
 
thank you I am working on it now!
 
LoveTheStars said:
I have a question that I could really use some help mathematically on.

At its closest to Earth, Pluto is 28.6 AU from Earth. Can the Hubble Space Telescope distringuish any features on Pluto? Justify your answers using calculations.

Please help!

I know that the diameter of Pluto is 2274km and the angular resolution is 0.1"
The small angle formula can be used and it is:
D= angular size of object in arcsec x distance to object / 206265

(206265 is required and equal to the number of arcseconds in a complete circle)

Hi LoveTheStars, welcome to PF!

Try New Hubble Maps of Pluto Show Surface Changes, but you have to do your own homework calculations.

Garth
 

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