Lecture 02: Astronomical Numbers Astronomy 161 - Introduction to Solar System Astronomy
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- Courses
What are our units of measure in astronomy? To begin our exploration of
astronomy, we first need to develop a common language for notating large
numbers, and introduce the basic units of length, mass, and time that we
will use throughout the quarter. This lecture is a quick review of
scientific notation and the metric system. For measuring the vast
distances in astronomy, we need to introduce two special units: the
Astronomical Unit for interplanetary distances, and the Light Year for
interstellar distances. We end with a discussion of mass and weight,
and the distinction drawn in physical measurements that differs (a
little) from everyday usage. Recorded 2007 Sep 20 in 1000 McPherson Lab
on the Columbus campus of The Ohio State University.
What are our units of measure in astronomy? To begin our exploration of
astronomy, we first need to develop a common language for notating large
numbers, and introduce the basic units of length, mass, and time that we
will use throughout the quarter. This lecture is a quick review of
scientific notation and the metric system. For measuring the vast
distances in astronomy, we need to introduce two special units: the
Astronomical Unit for interplanetary distances, and the Light Year for
interstellar distances. We end with a discussion of mass and weight,
and the distinction drawn in physical measurements that differs (a
little) from everyday usage. Recorded 2007 Sep 20 in 1000 McPherson Lab
on the Columbus campus of The Ohio State University.