Estimate the radius of the moon based on a solar eclipse given the distances between the earth and the moon, the earth and the sun, and the radius of the sun.

A diagram showing the moon directly between the earth and the sun is key here. If we call the radii of the sun and the moon rs and rm and the distances from earth Ds and Dm. respectively, there are similar triangles which can be analysed. the hypotenuse of both of the triangles is a straight line from earth tangential with both the moon and the sun, let the angle between this hypotenuse and the line of centres be 'a'. It is clear that tan(a) = rs/Ds = rm/Dm therefore rm=Dm*rs/Ds.

AM
Answered by Alastair M. PAT tutor

1713 Views

See similar PAT University tutors

Related PAT University answers

All answers ▸

Question below as would not fit in here


How do I sketch a function from its equation without using my graphical calculator?


If a bullet is shot into a suspended mass and does not pass through why can you not just use conservation of energy?


How are you to find 2007^2 − 2006^2 without a calculator?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences