Chapter 33, Problem 3P

To determine

To Find: The distance to the star using parallax method.

Answer to Problem 3P

  $d=1.462\text{ parsec}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Parallax angle of star: $p={0.00019}^o$

Formula used:

Formula of parallax:

  $d=\frac{1}{p}$

Where,

  $p=$ Parallax angle.

  $d=$ Parallax distance.

Calculation:

Since, $1°=3600$ seconds of arc

Therefore, parallax angle in second of arc:

  $p=0.00019\times 3600=0.684\text{ seconds of arc}$

Plugging in the given values in the formula:

  $\begin{array}{c}d=\frac{1}{p}\\ =\frac{1}{\text{0}\text{.684 second of arc}}\\ =1.462\text{ parsec}\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Hence, the star is $1.462\text{ parsec}$ away.