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Chapter 4: Problem 21

Why does Venus have its largest angular diameter when it is new and its smallest angular diameter when it is full?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The angular diameter of Venus depends on its distance from Earth, which varies with its orbital phase. In the new phase, Venus is at its closest proximity to Earth, making its angular diameter large. Conversely, in the full phase, Venus is at its furthest from Earth, making its angular diameter smaller.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Angular Diameter

The angular diameter of a celestial body is the angle between lines sight drawn from the observer to opposite edges of the body. Closer objects have a larger angular diameter as observed from the Earth, as they cover more of our field of view.
02

Venus's Phases and Distance from Earth

As Venus orbits the Sun, it goes through phases just like our Moon, which change its position relative to both Earth and the Sun. When Venus is in its new phase, it is between Earth and the Sun i.e., at its closest approach or inferior conjunction, so from Earth, we see it at its biggest angular size. When Venus is in its full phase, it is on the opposite side of the Sun, at its greatest distance from Earth i.e., in superior conjunction. In this position, we see Venus at its smallest angular size.
03

Drawing the Conclusion

Therefore, Venus has its largest angular diameter when it is new and closest to Earth, and its smallest angular diameter when it is full and farthest from Earth.

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