Question

If we observe a star over 6 months and obtain a parallax angle (p) for the star, how can we calculate the distance to the star?
A. distance = p2
B. distance = 1/p
C. distance = p-1

Answer 1

catch a ride on a moon beam :)

Answer 2

what defines a parallax angle?

Answer 3

http://www.astronomynotes.com/starprop/trig-anim.gif

Answer 4

hmmmm

Answer 5

moar pwease..kinna confused >:P

Answer 6

let x = sun to earth distance = 1 au
let d = distance to the star
tan(p)= x/d
or d= x/tan(p)
for p<<1 (in radians) tan(p) ~ p
so d = x/p
in AU

Answer 7

so i/p if you measure in parsecs