Stellar Parallax Distance Calculator
Stellar Parallax Distance Calculator computes star distance in parsecs and light-years from parallax angle for astronomical distance measurement.
Formulas Used in Stellar Parallax Distance Calculator
The calculator uses the following formulas to estimate stellar distance:
Distance in Parsecs:
\\[ d = \frac{1}{p} \\]Distance in Light-Years:
\\[ d_{\text{ly}} = d \times 3.262 \\]Where:
- \\( d \\): Distance (parsecs)
- \\( p \\): Parallax angle (arcseconds)
- \\( d_{\text{ly}} \\): Distance (light-years)
- \\( 3.262 \\): Conversion factor (1 parsec ≈ 3.262 light-years)
Example Calculations
Example 1: Proxima Centauri (Nearby Star)
Input: Parallax Angle = 0.7687 arcseconds
\\[
d = \frac{1}{0.7687} \approx 1.30 \ \text{parsecs}
\\]
\\[
d_{\text{ly}} = 1.30 \times 3.262 \approx 4.24 \ \text{light-years}
\\]
Result: Distance = 1.30 parsecs (4.24 light-years)
Example 2: Sirius (Moderately Distant Star)
Input: Parallax Angle = 0.3792 arcseconds
\\[
d = \frac{1}{0.3792} \approx 2.64 \ \text{parsecs}
\\]
\\[
d_{\text{ly}} = 2.64 \times 3.262 \approx 8.61 \ \text{light-years}
\\]
Result: Distance = 2.64 parsecs (8.61 light-years)
Example 3: Vega (More Distant Star)
Input: Parallax Angle = 0.1289 arcseconds
\\[
d = \frac{1}{0.1289} \approx 7.76 \ \text{parsecs}
\\]
\\[
d_{\text{ly}} = 7.76 \times 3.262 \approx 25.31 \ \text{light-years}
\\]
Result: Distance = 7.76 parsecs (25.31 light-years)