Question

Calculate the minimum and maximum angular diameters of the sun, as seen from mars.

Answer 1

The angular diameter can be calculated by using the formula,

Angular diameter = 57.3 x physical diameter / distance.

The physical diameter of the sun = 1.4 x 10^6 km.

The minimum distance of Mars from Sun = 205 x 10^6 km

The minimum angular diameter of the Sun as seen from Mars is:

Angular diameter = 57.3 x physical diameter / distance = 57.3 x (1.4 x 10^6 km / 205 x 10^6 km) = 0.39 degrees.

The maximum distance of Mars from Sun = 249 x 10^6 km.

The maximum angular diameter of Sun as seen from Mars is,

Angular diameter = 57.3 x physical diameter / distance = 57.3 x (1.4 x 10^6 km / 249 x 10^6 km) = 0.32 degrees