Question

List the following methods for determining distance in order of their ability to measure increasing distances. That is, the list should start with the method for measuring the distances to the closest objects. Then, for each method, list an object whose distance would be measured using that method. Fitting; Hubble Law; Parallax; Radar; Tully-Fisher Relationship.

A) Parallax, Radar, Fitting, Tully-Fisher Relationship, Hubble Law
B) Parallax, Fitting, Radar, Hubble Law, Tully-Fisher Relationship
C) Fitting, Parallax, Radar, Hubble Law, Tully-Fisher Relationship
D) Radar, Parallax, Fitting, Hubble Law, Tully-Fisher Relationship

Answer 1

The methods for determining increasing distances to celestial objects, listed from those measuring closest to farthest objects, are Radar (e.g., Venus), Parallax (e.g., Proxima Centauri), Fitting (e.g., a star in our Galaxy), Tully-Fisher Relationship (e.g., the Sombrero Galaxy), and Hubble Law (e.g., a distant galaxy), corresponding to option (A).

Step-by-step explanation:

The methods for determining increasing distances to celestial objects and their applicability to specific objects are as follows:

1. Radar: This method is used to determine distances within the solar system. It measures the time it takes for radar signals to travel from Earth to an object and back. An example of an object measured by radar is Venus.
2. Parallax: This method involves measuring the apparent shift of a star's position relative to distant background stars from opposite sides of Earth's orbit. It is useful for measuring distances to nearby stars out to about 500 light-years. A nearby star such as Proxima Centauri would be measured using parallax.
3. Fitting: Using an H-R diagram, astronomers can estimate a star's luminosity and thus its distance, anchored by parallax measurements. Fitting applies to nearby stars and some of the most distant stars within our galaxy. An object measured by fitting would be a star within our Galaxy, for which a spectrum and parallax are known.
4. Tully-Fisher Relationship: This method relates the rotation speed of a spiral galaxy to its luminosity, allowing for the measurement of distances to spiral galaxies. The Sombrero Galaxy could be an example of a galaxy measured using the Tully-Fisher Relationship.
5. Hubble Law: This law correlates the redshift of galaxies with their distances, allowing for measurements of very distant galaxies. An object whose distance would be measured using the Hubble Law is a far-flung galaxy retreating due to the expansion of the universe.

The correct order for measuring increasing distances and an example object for each method is represented by option (A): Radar, Parallax, Fitting, Tully-Fisher Relationship, Hubble Law.