- Given that the radius of the Earth's orbit is m and that 1 light-year m

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Astrophysics · Astrophysics

Problem

1. - Given that the radius of the Earth's orbit is ≈1.49×1011\approx 1.49 \times 10^{11} m and that 1 light-year ≈9.461×1015\approx 9.461 \times 10^{15} m, explain Bessel's calculation that 61 Cygni is about 10.3 light-years away. (1) - Given that the radius of the Earth's orbit is ≈1.49×1011\approx 1.49 \times 10^{11} m and that 1 light-year ≈9.461×1015\approx 9.461 \times 10^{15} m, explain Bessel's calculation that 61 Cygni is about 10.3 light-years away. (2) - Modern estimates place 61 Cygni at about 11.4 light-years away. Calculate a more accurate value for the parallax of 61 Cygni.

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