[sci.astro] Relative distances and sizes in the Universe.

rdm2@nvuxr.UUCP (R McBurnett) (12/20/89)

In article <8912121730.AA22210@decwrl.dec.com> klaes@wrksys.dec.com (CUP/ASG, MLO5-2/G1 6A, 223-3283  12-Dec-1989 1233) writes:
>
>        Several weeks ago I posted a request for slide sets comparing the 
>    relative distances in the solar system and the other stars:  It would 
>    seem that slide sets of this scale system are rather hard to come by.  
>    I sent out a request to several other computer networks, along with 
>    calling a number of planetariums, museum stores, and searched through 
>    various scientific catalogues, all without significant result.  
>
>        I was able to use my resources and gather some information
>    from several friends on various types of relative celestial scales, 
>    and have come up with some relevant information.
...
>        Larry Klaes  klaes@wrksys.dec.com


The comparison I like best is from Larry Niven's Ringworld SciFi book
where he describes the ringworld.  

Something like this:  If the distance from the Sun to the Earth is 1
inch, then a light year is 1 mile.  This gives me a very handy Real
World referent for *LARGE* distances.

-Roe

-- 
Roe D McBurnett III	Bellcore		|these are my own
(201)758-2333	 rdm2@bcr.cc.bellcore.com	|rantings not Bellcore's