Distance and Parallax

Did you know that distances to nearby stars can be calculated using the same mathematic principles used to solve a triangle? It is true! Astronomers have been calculating the distances to stars using the parallax for almost two thousand years. How do astronomers use parallax to determine the distance to stars? In this interactivity, click on each of the tabs to learn more about how astronomers measure distance as it relates to stars. Click the player to begin.

Download a printable version of the interactivity above.

Stellar Parallax Formula

Distance and Parallax Review

Now that you have investigated how distances in space are measured and estimated, practice what you have learned in this non-graded activity. Drag the descriptions on the right and drop them next to the correct definitions on the left. Then, click SUBMIT to check your responses. Click the player to get started.