Chapter 33, Problem 2P

To determine

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

Answer to Problem 2P

  $d=2.63\text{ parsec}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Parallax angle of star, $p=0.38$ seconds of arc

Formula used:

Formula of parallax:

  $d=\frac{1}{p}$

Where,

  $p=$ Parallax angle.

  $d=$ Parallax distance.

Calculation:

Plugging in the given values in the formula:

  $\begin{array}{c}d=\frac{1}{p}\\ =\frac{1}{0.38\text{ second of arc}}\\ =2.63\text{ parsec}\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Hence, the star is $2.63\text{ parsec}$ away.