How do we know the distance of stars? If we look east and see a star that is 100 million light years away, then look west and see a star that is 500 millions years away, how can we tell the difference?

Question

Ivy Allen · Accepted Answer

Astronomers have different scientific methods to calculate distance to stars.

Near bye stars.stellar parallax. standard candles. variable stars. Type !a supernova. for details read Wikipedia cosmic distance ladder.\ link https://tutor.hix.ai

Hunter Arthur · Answer

undefined The distance to stars is determined through various methods including parallax, spectroscopic measurements, and standard candles. Parallax involves measuring the apparent shift of a star's position as viewed from different points in Earth's orbit. Spectroscopic measurements analyze a star's spectrum to determine its temperature, composition, and motion. Standard candles, such as certain types of variable stars or supernovae, have known intrinsic brightness, allowing astronomers to calculate their distance based on their apparent brightness. As for distinguishing between stars with different distances, the difference in their apparent brightness, spectral characteristics, and parallax measurements would indicate their varying distances.