Size of Venus
- Taking the ratio of these 2 equations, and using a little algebra to solve for RV/RE gives
- RV/RE = (dmax / dmin -1)/(dmax / dmin +1) = 5.1/7.1 = 0.72
- i.e. Venus’ orbital radius is 0.72 AU
- Once the distance is known, the small angle formula can be used to solve for the diameter of Venus
- dmin = (1 - 0.72) AU = 0.28 AU
- linear diameter = (61/206,265) * 0.28 AU = 12,400 km
- just a tiny bit smaller than the Earth!