3.3 Using Space Technology to Interpret Space - Triangulation

Vocabulary flashcards covering indirect distance measurement methods, triangulation components, accuracy rules, and astronomical triangulation based on lecture notes.

Triangulation and Parallax

Two ways of measuring distances indirectly, whether on the ground or in space.

Triangulation

An indirect method of measuring distance that is based on the geometry of a triangle.

Baseline

The known measured line between two observation points used as the foundation for triangulation calculations.

Requirements for Triangulation

The length of the baseline and the size of the angles created when imaginary lines are drawn from the ends of the baseline to the distant object.

Protractor and Ruler

The tools required to determine distance using triangulation, alongside an appropriate scale.

Baseline Length Effect

The rule in triangulation calculations stating that the longer the baseline, the more accurate the results.

Diameter of Earth's Orbit

The baseline used by astronomers for triangulating the distance to a nearby star.

Distant Stars

Stars that serve as a reference point for measuring the two angles when astronomers triangulate on a closer star.