Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Lecture 02: Astronomical Numbers
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Lecture 02: Astronomical Numbers
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.
View all episodes
By Richard Pogge
4.8
8080 ratings
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.
More shows like Astronomy 161 - Introduction to Solar System Astronomy - Autumn 2007
View all
Astronomy Cast
2,868 Listeners
Astronomy 141 - Life in the Universe - Autumn Quarter 2009
184 Listeners
Odd Lots
1,768 Listeners
The Bulwark Podcast
11,578 Listeners
The Journal.
5,920 Listeners
The Supermassive Podcast
284 Listeners
The Rest Is History
12,463 Listeners