After reading this
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/20...universe-size/ posted by Jon in a previous topic in this section, I became interested in trying to calculate the distance between the Sun and Proxima Centauri, using a 5 cent piece with a 19.41mm width as a scale.
Now I know NOTHING about Maths, I failed high school maths so it all gets a bit confusing sometimes but I was determined to see if I could do it anyway.
I will put my very rough calculations below. If anyone could tell me how completely wrong I am, that would be very helpful
I think I have gone completely off the track with how I tried to calculate it and if someone could please help me solve this, I would be forever greatful
40000000000000 km to Proxima Centauri
5 cent piece = 19.41mm
1km = 1000000mm so 40000000000000km = 40000000000000000000mm?
1,391,980 km = width of sun
Width of sun in millimetres = 13919800000000mm
So, 19.41mm = 13919800000000mm
40000000000000000000 divided by 13919800000000 = 2873604.5058118651130044971910516
19.41 x 2873604.5058118651130044971910516 = 55776663.457808301843417290478312
55776663.457808301843417290478312mm = 55.7766634578km
55.7766634578 - 0.0000001941 = 55.7766632637km
So, the distance between the Sun and Proxima Centauri, using the scale of a 5 cent piece as the Sun (19.41mm) = 55.7766634578km
I'm crazy, I know
And have got this all completely wrong but would appreciate some help
