Why Did It Take Astronomers Until 1838 to Measure the Parallax

question 30

Multiple Choice

Why did it take astronomers until 1838 to measure the parallax of the stars?

• A) because most stars are too faint to see without a good telescope
• B) because the stars are so far away that their annual shift of position in the sky is too small to see without a good telescope
• C) because detecting parallax requires measuring a spectrum, which only became possible in the 1830's
• D) because cepheid variable stars had not been discovered earlier
• E) because no one before then could conceive of the Earth moving around the Sun

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A spree; to overindulge, such as with alcohol or food.

Overindulge

To engage excessively in an activity or consumption, typically eating, drinking, or other forms of pleasure, to a degree that may be harmful.

Alcohol

A chemical substance found in drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits that can cause intoxication and has various effects on the body.

Beriberi

A disease resulting from lack of vitamin B1, thiamine.