Home
Back
Angular Separation Formula:
| From: | To: |
Angular separation (δ) is the angle between two objects as seen from an observer's point of view. It's calculated using the arctangent of the ratio between their linear separation (s) and their distance from the observer (d).
The calculator uses the angular separation formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the angle subtended by two objects at the observer's position. For small angles (when d ≫ s), the small-angle approximation \( \delta \approx s/d \) can be used.
Details: Angular separation is crucial in astronomy for measuring distances between celestial objects, in photography for lens calculations, and in various engineering applications involving angular measurements.
Tips: Enter the linear separation between objects and their distance from the observer. Both values must be positive numbers in meters. The calculator provides results in both radians and degrees.
Q1: What units should I use for the inputs?
A: The calculator expects meters for both separation and distance, but any consistent unit can be used as long as both inputs use the same unit.
Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact for the given formula. Accuracy depends on the precision of your input measurements.
Q3: Can I use this for astronomical calculations?
A: Yes, this is commonly used in astronomy. For very small angles (arcseconds), specialized formulas might be more appropriate.
Q4: What's the difference between radians and degrees?
A: Radians are the natural unit for angular measurement (2π radians = 360°). Degrees are more common in everyday use.
Q5: Does this work for 3D space?
A: This calculates the 2D angular separation. For 3D space, you would need to account for both horizontal and vertical angles.