Final answer:
The solar constant on Venus would be higher than on Earth due to Venus's closer proximity to the Sun. Parallax measurements from Pluto would offer more accuracy due to a larger baseline but pose operational challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
If astronomers lived on Venus instead of Earth, the solar constant measurements would be different. This is because the solar constant is the amount of energy that the Sun dispenses upon a certain area in a set amount of time, and it depends on the distance from the Sun. Venus is closer to the Sun than Earth, so the solar constant on Venus would be higher than the solar constant on Earth. This value would be important for understanding the climate and atmospheric conditions on Venus.
To establish absolute distances in space, astronomers have measured distances within the solar system directly, such as during transits of Venus across the surface of the Sun, which provided accurate measurements of Venus's distance from Earth. Parallax measurements from farther away, like Pluto, would have advantages and disadvantages. An advantage would be the significantly larger baseline (distance between observation points), which could allow for more accurate parallax measurements for distant stars. However, the disadvantage would include the challenges of sending a spacecraft to such a distant location and the amount of time it would take to collect data.
Historical data reminds us that precise measurements and unit conversions are vital in space exploration, as miscalculations can lead to dire consequences, exemplified by the loss of the Mars Climate Orbiter.