How the radius and Distance of a planete is found ?

Status
Not open for further replies.

my_books

Full Member level 5
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
259
Helped
17
Reputation
28
Reaction score
8
Trophy points
1,298
Activity points
3,218
How the radius and Distance of a planete is found ?

 

Hey

To measure the distance of a planet, It is possible to measure the time of flight of a laser pulse.
And radius, I am not sure but having the distance and image of the planet, it is straight forward to calculate the radius of the planet.

Best
 

Are you referring to historical measurements of planetary distances in our solar system?
Parallax is the straightforward approach. Here's an introductory description for school kids:
https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/phonedrmarc/2002_november.shtml

After you know the distance, the radius is a simple geometric ratio, as z_ghadiani described.
The object must be big enough and close enough to appear as a disk, and not just a pinpoint.
 

Wonderful approach cassini
Hats off to you
 

Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…