The Astronomy Center has provided educational resources to introductory astronomy educators since 2003. Over the past 20 years, the rapid pace of discovery has rendered some of our linked resources obsolete. Thus, the Astronomy Center will be decommissioned on March 1, 2022. Our highest quality resources will be retained on ComPADRE.org.
This pair of web pages describes early calculations of the Earth-Moon distance by Greek astronomers. Using lunar and solar eclipses, the astronomers Aristarchus and Hipparchus determined the distance to the moon using geometry. The methods and mathematics used are described as well as the accuracy and errors. These pages are linked to other information on the geometry of the sun/earth/moon system. This is part of a large web site "From Stargazers to Starships" that presents physics concepts through connections to space science and an historical perspective. Spanish, French, and Italian translations are available.
%0 Electronic Source %A Stern, David %D September 18, 2004 %T The Moon's Distance--1 %V 2024 %N 5 November 2024 %8 September 18, 2004 %9 text/html %U http://www.phy6.org/stargaze/Shipprc2.htm
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