Ratio of Sun's diameter to Moon's

  • Thread starter Thread starter rtsphysics
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diameter Ratio
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the ratio of the Sun's diameter to the Moon's diameter during a total solar eclipse, given that the distance from the observer to the Sun is 400 times that to the Moon. The solution involves using similar triangles to establish the relationship between the diameters and distances. The key insight is that the diameters can be derived from the proportionality of the triangles formed by the Sun and Moon as viewed from Earth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of similar triangles in geometry
  • Basic knowledge of solar eclipses and their visual effects
  • Familiarity with the concept of proportionality in mathematics
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate geometric diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of similar triangles in geometry
  • Research the mechanics of solar eclipses and their observational characteristics
  • Learn how to apply proportionality in real-world scenarios
  • Explore geometric visualization techniques to aid problem-solving
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, physics enthusiasts, educators teaching about eclipses, and anyone interested in understanding the mathematical relationships in celestial events.

rtsphysics
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


During a total solar eclipse, your view of the Sun is almost exactly replaced by your view of the moon. Assuming that the distance from you to the sun is 400 times the distance from you to the moon, find the ratio of the Sun's diameter to the moon's diameter.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I started by drawing three circles: the Sun at the left of the moon at the left of the Earth. After this, I'm stuck. The problem never states whether the given distances from "you to the moon/sun" include the radius of the moon or sun. Even if it does, I have no idea how to proceed. I read the post about this exact problem (https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=318386), but I didn't get how to use similar triangles.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try drawing two similar triangles, one with the moon's diamter as the base and one with the sun's - you know the length of the sides of the moon triangle
 

Similar threads

Webpage title: Estimating the Diameter of the Moon Using a Total Solar Eclipse
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K
Ratio of Sun's Diameter to the Moon's
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
Ratio of the Magnitude of gravitational force?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
High School The Sun's Influence on the Moon's Orbit: Is it Negligible?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Why Did Aristarchus Measure the Sun's Distance During a Half Moon?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
Substended angle, rotational kinematics
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
What are the odds that other life exists?
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
6K
Question about angles and triangles I thinkg
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
How Can You Calculate Saturn's Mass Using a Telescope and Stopwatch?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
What is the impact of the moon's disappearance on Earth's rotation?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K