Perspective: Parallax

The video explains the concept of parallax, starting with a simple pencil experiment to demonstrate how our eyes perceive distance. It then extends this concept to astronomy, showing how parallax is used to measure the distances of stars from Earth. By observing stars from different points in Earth's orbit, astronomers can calculate these vast distances using trigonometry.

What is the term used to describe the effect where an object appears to move when viewed with one eye at a time?

• Refraction

• Reflection

• Parallax

• Diffraction

How does the Earth's orbit help in measuring the distance to stars?

• It provides a larger baseline for parallax measurements.

• It changes the color of the stars.

• It increases the brightness of the stars.

• It alters the speed of light from the stars.

What is the baseline distance used by astronomers to measure stellar distances?

• 150 million kilometers

• 1 light year

• 300 million kilometers

• 6 centimeters

What mathematical method do astronomers use to calculate the distance of stars from Earth?

• Algebra

• Geometry

• Calculus

• Trigonometry

Why is the parallax angle considered to be very small when measuring stellar distances?

• Because the Earth's orbit is too small.

• Because the baseline is too short.

• Because stars are extremely far away.

• Because stars are very close to Earth.