Comments on: 365 Days wins a Parsec!

By: Buzz Parsec

Buzz Parsec — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:54:37 +0000

P.S. tried to edit my comment after checking the math, but I guess I took too long…

Anyway, using the definition of the parsec (648000/pi AU) and the speed of light from Allen’s Astrophysical Constants (4th edition) , I get 1191.2948 days, verifying Terry’s calculation.

Translating to light years is problematical since there are several definitions of the year (sidereal, Julian, tropical, anomalistic, etc.), each with a corresponding light year.

By: Buzz Parsec

Buzz Parsec — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:22:15 +0000

I feel compelled to post something here, though I don’t know what to say except “congratulations!”

BTW, @Crux, distance is proportional to time, the proportionality factor being the speed of light. The time it takes for light to travel 1 parsec is 1,191 days, as Terry said. (Disclaimer: I haven’t actually checked the math, but it sounds right.)

By: Papa Surf

Papa Surf — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:00:15 +0000

Oh I am so honored!

I’d like to thank the flying spaghetti monster, my family, and the wonderful crew behind the IYA 365 days of astronomy podcast – without whom none of this would have been possible.

Thank you all so much!

…I guess my trophy is coming in the mail then?

By: Doug

Doug — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Since a parsec is defined by the earth’s orbit, I think 365 days is a rather fitting winner.

By: Lidnsay Graham

Lidnsay Graham — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:11:12 +0000

Arg! You missed the better pun: “I know that title will take a sec’ to parse.”

By: Derek Colanduno

Derek Colanduno — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:48:08 +0000

I was so glad when I heard that 365 won a Parsec! I only wish I could have been there…. me and my darn being a Director and running other things at the same time!

By: Richard Drumm The Astronomy Bum

Richard Drumm The Astronomy Bum — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:02:11 +0000

I was delighted to hold that very Parsec in my own trembling hands at D*C. I handed it over to Ms. Information, though, lest I get too attached. She gave it to Pamela when she got to the Skeptrack room. I’ve produced 3 episodes so far, and have 2 more to come (in December). It’s been a great honor to lend a hand to the effort.

BTW, Kestrels don’t run, they fly! ;^)

By: Crux Australis

Crux Australis — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:53:16 +0000

maybe I missed your sarcasm, Terry Whelan, but how is a parsec measured in days?

By: George Brickner

George Brickner — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:39:25 +0000

Huzzah!

By: Terry Whelan

Terry Whelan — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:46:29 +0000

super luminal !!!!

1 Parsec = 3.26163626 light years, i.e. 1,191 days.