Quick easy questionFormula for angular diameter?

In summary, the formula for calculating angular diameter is: angular diameter = size / distance, where size is the actual size of the object and distance is the distance between the object and the observer. Angular diameter is different from linear diameter as it takes into account the distance between the object and the observer. Angular diameter is typically measured in degrees, arcminutes, or arcseconds and can be applied to all objects. In astronomy, it is used to measure the size of celestial objects, calculate distances, and determine relative sizes in images captured by telescopes.
  • #1
Soylentgreen
14
0
i am looking for the equation for angular diameter in relation to an objects distance and diameter.
i need it expressed in arc seconds, not radians.

anyone know it?
 
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  • #2
Can you draw a picture and do some trig?
 
  • #3
An arcmin is 1/60th of a degree and an arcesc is 1/60th of an arcmin. Can you draw a picture now...?
 

1. What is the formula for calculating angular diameter?

The formula for calculating angular diameter is: angular diameter = size / distance, where size is the actual size of the object and distance is the distance between the object and the observer.

2. How is angular diameter different from linear diameter?

Angular diameter is a measure of the apparent size of an object as seen from a specific location, while linear diameter is the actual physical size of the object. Angular diameter takes into account the distance between the object and the observer, while linear diameter does not.

3. What units are used for angular diameter?

Angular diameter is typically measured in degrees, arcminutes, or arcseconds. In some cases, it may also be expressed in radians.

4. Can the formula for angular diameter be applied to all objects?

Yes, the formula for angular diameter can be applied to all objects, as long as the size and distance are known. However, for very small or very distant objects, the angular diameter may be too small to measure accurately.

5. How is angular diameter used in astronomy?

In astronomy, angular diameter is used to measure the size of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, and galaxies. It is also used to calculate the distance between objects in space and to determine the relative sizes of objects in images captured by telescopes.

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