Astronomy: At is closest approach, Mars is about 5.6X10^7 km from Earth and its apparent size is about 0.00012 radians. What is the approximate diameter of Mars?

Question

Myron

Mathematics

3 July, 00:42

Astronomy: At is closest approach, Mars is about 5.6X10^7 km from Earth and its apparent size is about 0.00012 radians. What is the approximate diameter of Mars?

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Answers (1)

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Iliana Best · Answer 1

1.) D = 2pi * d * A / 360 degrees; Where:

pi = 3.14;

d = distance or 56,000,000 km (5.6x10^7 to standard notation)

A = angular size in degrees or. 00688 degrees (.00012 radian to degrees)

D = 2 (3.14) * 56,000,000 *.00688 / 360

= 6.28 * 385,280 / 360

= 2,419,558.4 / 360

D = 6,720.996 or 6,721

Therefore, 6,721 km. is the approximate diameter of Mars.