Astrophysics

   

Simplified Trigonometric Method for Distance Measurements

Authors: Aryan G. Chopade, Govardhan S. Chopade

This study develops a mathematical approach to estimate the distance of a celestial object from an observer using angular measurements. The method involves capturing the subtended angles of the object from two distinct positions along a known baseline distance and employs trigonometric relationships to derive a formula for calculating the distance. Using a camera, the angular size of the object is determined based on its apparent size on the camera's sensor. The calculated angles are substituted into the derived formula to compute the distance. Validation of the formula was performed by calculating the Moon's distance from Earth using angular measurements taken at two locations separated by 100 km. The computed distance of approximately 376,742 km closely aligns with the Moon's average distance from Earth, confirming the accuracy of the method. This straightforward approach demonstrates potential utility for amateur astronomers and educators, offering an accessible tool for celestial distance measurement using basic geometry.

Comments: 4 Pages. 2 figures; submitted under the CC BY 4.0 license (Author ames added to the article by viXra Admin as required)

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[v1] 2024-11-26 19:12:50

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