Q2.43Multiple choice
- (a)How many astronomical units (A.U.) make 1 parsec?
- (b)Consider a sunlike star at a distance of 2 parsecs. When it is seen through a telescope with 100 magnification, what should be the angular size of the star? Sun appears to be (1/2)° from the earth. Due to atmospheric fluctuations, eye can’t resolve objects smaller than 1 arc minute.
- (c)Mars has approximately half of the earth’s diameter. When it is closest to the earth it is at about 1/2 A.U. from the earth. Calculate what size it will appear when seen through the same telescope. (Comment : This is to illustrate why a telescope can magnify planets but not stars.)