Aristarchus of Samos (Approximately 300 BC) discovered a method to figure out the ratio of the distances from the Earth to the sun, and Earth to moon. Using several observations, which included the Half-Moon, Solar Eclipse, and Lunar Eclipse, he discovered a proportional relationship between the radius of the Earth and the radius of the moon. Another Greek Mathematician/Astronomer, Eratosthenes, (In the same time period) discovered a technique to find the radius of the Earth. Combining Aristarchus' work together with that of Eratosthenes, and using observations Aristarchus made about the apparent diameter of the moon, it is possible to calculate the sizes of the Earth, moon and sun, and also the distances between the Earth, moon, and sun.
Aristarchus' technique was very crude, but incredibly genius. He obviously spent many nights under the stars, studying and thinking. Despite its inaccuracy, his argument showed an incredible understanding the mathematics and astronomy. The biggest flaw in his argument was his attempt to measure the angle created between the Earth, Moon, and Sun during a half moon (<MES).
We'll show you how he set the equations for figuring out the distance from the Earth to the Sun, and from the Earth to the Moon. We will also, in plain English, explain that if of Eratosthenes and Archimedes worked with Aristarchus, Aristarchus would have been able to tell the distance from the Earth to the Sun, and the Earth to the Moon in around 300 BC.
We will describe the arguments Aristarchus used to convince people about his theory and what he did wrong, what he did right, and how he intentionally lied, even though he knew the correct answer, to the people just to satisfy them.
We'll simply describe how he used Solar and Lunar eclipses to figure out the distance from the Earth to the Moon and from the Earth to the Sun. We'll explain clearly everything he did to find out the distance from the Earth to the Sun and from the Earth to the Moon.
To continue your quest for knowledge just click on the links in the frame, from top to bottom, from start to finish. By the time you're done you will have all the knowledge of Aristarchus of Samos' method of figuring the distance from the Earth to the Moon, and from the Earth to the Sun.
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by John (project also compiled by John)