Episode 21 — 2D & 3D Trigonometry

Trigonometric Parallax

Learners will be able to:

• Describe the origins of trigonometry and its two main branches: plane and spherical trigonometry. • Explain how parallax is used in astronomy to measure distances to nearby stars. • Identify the relationship between the size of a parallax angle, the length of the baseline, and the distance to an object. • Calculate the distance to a star using the method of trigonometric parallaxes. • Sketch a triangle formed by the Earth, Sun, and observed star in different positions in its orbit around the Sun.