Introductory Astronomy: Parallax, the Parsec, and Distances

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Published 2013-03-23

Video lecture that discusses the concept of parallax, the unit of the parsec, and how astronomers can determine the distances to the most nearby stars.

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Disclosure: some of the links in this video description are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

All Comments (21)

@Sargentleman 5 years ago

This didn't really explain how the parallax angle is found. How from the images in January and July do you convert that perceived motion to a parallax angle?
@amenalyasiry1848 10 years ago

Very informative video, I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is interested in astronomy, pretty cool.
@charli246 8 years ago

But how do you measure the angle if it just looks like the star is moving side to side?
@psychologist_soumyadeep 7 years ago

Absolutely the best explanation of parsec on YouTube.
@luisdiniz3211 8 years ago

Great video! The concepts are explained in a very clear way, such details as the variable used to the inner angle or the unit of distance do not interfere to comprehend the main idea! Good job!
@ShogunDude 7 years ago

Awesome video, you just tought me what four books and two videos couldn't!
@juliabudd2150 6 years ago

This actually helped me a lot thank you so much!! :)
@aadityaabraham4808 7 years ago

Thank you. That video really simplified the concept. :)
@sabinefrank1061 5 years ago

Vielen Dank. Nun habe ich das mal so richtig verstanden. Super
@amandaarrudamelo 4 years ago

This video is awesome. Thanks for helping me.
@weejim48 4 years ago

Mind officially blown. 👍
@rappodschess6211 8 years ago

this a truely a great video
@simplysweet3037 7 years ago

explanations are very useful. thank u .
@joneslu1377 4 years ago

I think I have got it. Thank you!
@vedanshpaliwal2755 7 years ago

how do they measure the angle and why "pi" is used as the symbol for unknown angle?????
@hubble2111 7 years ago

very good explaination ，thx
@30hotmale 8 years ago

Very illustrative and helpful video..Thanks a Lot..BUT: Although, it doesn't make a difference here, it's better if SI units are used in science illustrations and not miles, feet, ounce etc. I think it's a catastrophe to use the symbol "pi" for an unknown angle for obvious reasons.
@Gilinator 7 years ago

thank you!
@nothinghamnot1587 8 years ago

Good vid very nice!!!
@aspie38 10 years ago

Very helpful! :)) There's one thing I want to know more about.. For example, If I know a star's parallax angle, how can I relate it to a star's RA/Dec change? at 7:51 he says that the interior angle is the size of the entire shift… so does it mean that, change in RA and parallax angle are directly connected to each other?