# Simple demonstration experiments for astronomical parallax

## TL;DR

This paper introduces two accessible classroom experiments demonstrating astronomical parallax, one using simple theodolites and the other employing digital photography, to help students understand stellar distance measurement.

## Contribution

It provides practical, hands-on activities for teaching astronomical parallax suitable for different student age groups, enhancing educational methods.

## Key findings

- Effective visualization of parallax concepts for students
- Hands-on activities improve understanding of stellar distance measurement
- Activities are adaptable for various educational levels

## Abstract

Parallax is the most important astronomical method for determining the distances from the Earth to nearby stars. We present two hands-on activities that explore the concepts and practice of parallax measurement. The first activity is a simple geometrical set-up using simple theodolites, and is accessible for students grade 7 and above. The second activity uses digital photography to recreate astronomical parallax measurements in a classroom setting, and is suitable for students grade 10 and above.