How Do We Measure the Distance of Stars?

Hank from SciShow discusses with Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer, about how astronomers measure the distance to stars and galaxies. They explain the concept of trigonometric parallax, which uses Earth's orbit to create a binocular effect for measuring nearby stars. For more distant stars, astronomers use techniques like comparing brightness and spectral analysis. The discussion also covers the cosmic distance ladder, a method to measure distances from nearby stars to distant galaxies. Historical context is provided, highlighting Edwin Hubble's contributions to understanding the universe's expansion.

What is the main challenge in determining the distance of stars from Earth?

• Stars are too bright to measure.

• Stars are too small to observe.

• Stars are at varying distances and brightness.

• Stars move too quickly to track.

How does Earth's movement help in measuring star distances?

• It creates a binocular angle similar to our eyes.

• It allows us to use a tape measure.

• It changes the color of the stars.

• It makes stars appear larger.

What is the term for the method using Earth's orbit to measure star distances?

• Spectral Analysis

• Cosmic Ladder

• Trigonometric Parallax

• Galactic Mapping

What happens when a star is 100 times fainter than another?

• It is 10 times farther away.

• It is 10 times closer.

• It is 100 times larger.

• It is 100 times smaller.

How can we determine the properties of stars?

• By observing their speed.

• By counting the number of stars around them.

• By analyzing their color and spectrum.

• By measuring their size directly.

What did Edwin Hubble discover about galaxies?

• They are stationary.

• They are shrinking.

• They are moving towards us.

• They are moving away from us.

What significant astronomical discovery was made in 1998?

• The universe is shrinking.

• The universe's expansion is accelerating.

• The universe is static.

• The universe is cooling down.