Astronomers use several methods to measure distances in space, depending on the scale of the distance being measured. Some common techniques include:
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Parallax: Astronomers use the slight shift in an object's position as seen from different points in Earth's orbit to calculate its distance.
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Standard candles: Certain types of objects, such as Cepheid variables or Type Ia supernovae, have known intrinsic brightness, allowing astronomers to calculate their distance based on their observed brightness.
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Redshift: By measuring the redshift of light from distant galaxies, astronomers can determine their distance based on how much the light has been stretched as the universe expands.
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Radar ranging: For objects within our own solar system, astronomers can bounce radar signals off planets, asteroids, or spacecraft to determine their distance based on the time it takes for the signal to return.
These are just a few of the methods astronomers use to measure distances in space.
