How to Convert Angular Distance to Linear Distance in Astronomy

Learn how to calculate linear distance from angular distance in astronomy using a simple formula.

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Angular distance can be converted to linear distance using the formula: Linear Distance = Angular Distance × Distance to Object. For small angles, use radians for angular distance. For instance, if a galaxy is 1 radian away at a distance of 1 million km, the linear distance is also 1 million km.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is angular distance? Angular distance is the angle between two points in the sky, usually measured in radians or degrees.
  2. Why is radians used for small angles? Radians are used for small angles because they provide a direct relationship between the angle and the arc length on a circle.
  3. How do I calculate the distance to an object in space? Distance to an object can be calculated using various methods, including parallax, standard candles, or redshift measurements.
  4. What is the formula for converting angular distance to linear distance? The formula is: Linear Distance = Angular Distance × Distance to Object.