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

  • Context: Stargazing 
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    Hubble Pluto Telescope
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ability of the Hubble Space Telescope to distinguish features on Pluto when it is at its closest distance to Earth, specifically 28.6 AU. Participants are asked to justify their answers using mathematical calculations related to angular resolution and the small angle formula.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant poses a question about whether the Hubble Space Telescope can distinguish features on Pluto, providing relevant data such as Pluto's diameter and distance from Earth.
  • Another participant suggests that the angular diameter of Pluto can be calculated using the provided distance and diameter, implying this will lead to an answer regarding the telescope's capability.
  • A third participant acknowledges their ongoing work on the calculations, indicating engagement with the problem.
  • A fourth participant reiterates the initial question and provides the same data, while also suggesting a resource for further information but emphasizes the need for the original poster to perform their own calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to solving the problem using the small angle formula, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the actual capability of the Hubble Space Telescope to distinguish features on Pluto.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet provided specific calculations or results, and there may be assumptions regarding the applicability of the small angle formula that have not been fully explored.

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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