MadSci Network: Astronomy
Query:

Subject: How could ancient cultures calculate the distance to the sun

Date: Thu Jan 27 05:05:19 2005
Posted by Don Perry
Grade level: nonaligned School: graduated
City: Atlanta State/Province: GA Country: U.S.A.
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 1106820319.As
Message:

I am aware that calculating the distance to the sun without sophisticated 
equipment is best done by observations of the transit of venus.  Assuming you 
can do it at two points on the planet and have an accurate timing device.  My 
question is, how could an ancient culture, like the Mayans, determine the 
distance from the earth to the sun. This assumes that they have water clocks,
written records, a fair understanding of mathematics.  No telescopes.  No 
computers.   
 


Re: How could ancient cultures calculate the distance to the sun

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