Using a pendulum to find the distance to the sun

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on using a pendulum to calculate the distance to the sun, referencing a method that involves determining the distance to the center of the Earth and the horizon. The original poster recalls a mathematics lecture that simplified this process but struggles to remember the exact formulae. They express frustration over the complexity of more advanced theories encountered later and seek assistance in recalling the simpler method. Ultimately, the poster finds the answer after extensive searching online.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of pendulum mechanics
  • Knowledge of Earth's radius and horizon distance
  • Familiarity with mathematical formulae for distance calculation
  • Concept of gravitational acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical principles behind pendulum motion
  • Explore the formula for calculating the distance to the sun using Earth’s radius
  • Study advanced theories related to astronomical distance measurement
  • Investigate historical methods of celestial navigation
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics and mathematics, educators teaching celestial mechanics, and amateur astronomers interested in historical methods of calculating astronomical distances.

Mukilab
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Hello,

One or two years ago I had a mathematics lecture where one part of it was using basic formulae, a pendulum and the distance to the centre of the Earth to find out what the distance to the sun was.

Recently, I came across a question which asked me to figure out the distance to the sun however it was far more complicated and used more advanced theories than the example I was shown in the lecture.

However, I can no longer precisely remember how to do it using the method in the lecture but I can remember that it involved finding the distance to the centre of the earth, how far the horizon of the Earth was and a pendulum to find the distance to the sun.

If you know of a method along these lines, please could you inform me? It would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
 
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Nevermind I've trawled through the internet over the past hours and finally found the answer in a hidden niche
 
Mukilab said:
Nevermind I've trawled through the internet over the past hours and finally found the answer in a hidden niche

ohhh and are you going to share this gem so others don't also have to trawl for hours ??

cheers :)
Dave
 

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