Astronomy & space · University
Parallax distance in parsecs
Use a positive parallax in arcseconds. Reciprocal inversion of noisy parallaxes needs additional statistical care.
Method and conditions
Use a positive parallax in arcseconds. Reciprocal inversion of noisy parallaxes needs additional statistical care.
d(pc) = 1/p(arcsec)
Worked examples
A model star has exact parallax 0.103 arcseconds. Calculate its distance using d=1/p. Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in pc.
Invert the stated parallax: 1/0.103 parsecs. This exercise treats parallax as exact, not as a noisy measurement.
9.7087 pc
A model star has exact parallax 0.058 arcseconds. Calculate its distance using d=1/p. Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in pc.
Invert the stated parallax: 1/0.058 parsecs. This exercise treats parallax as exact, not as a noisy measurement.
17.2414 pc
Try it
A model star has exact parallax 0.019 arcseconds. Calculate its distance using d=1/p. Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in pc.
A model star has exact parallax 0.171 arcseconds. Calculate its distance using d=1/p. Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in pc.
Check your work
Answers and marking notes
- 52.6316 pc
Invert the stated parallax: 1/0.019 parsecs. This exercise treats parallax as exact, not as a noisy measurement.
- 5.848 pc
Invert the stated parallax: 1/0.171 parsecs. This exercise treats parallax as exact, not as a noisy measurement.
Further reading and review references
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