Question

The angular separation in degrees of two objects is (physical separation × 360°) / (2 π × distance). If an individual was observing our solar system from Castor at a distance of 7.2 light years. What angular resolution, in arcsecond, is needed to resolve the Sun-Earth system as distinct points of light?

Answer 1

`Angular separation = 1.25* 10^(-5) degree`

Step-by-step explanation:

given data:

Distance of individual to solar system is 7.2 light year

Distance between earth and sun is
`1.496* 10^8 km`

D =7.2 light year
`= 7.2* 9.46* 10^(13) km`

we know that angular seperation is given as

`Angular\ separation = ( dis.\ btwn\ earth\ and\ sun)/(2\pi D) * 360`

putting all value in the above relation to get angular separation

`Angular\ separation = (1.496* 10^ 8)/(2\pi *7.2* 9.46* 10^(13)) * 360`

`Angular separation = 1.25* 10^(-5) degree`