Episode 7 - Radar and Relativity: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (907)

In this episode the topic is using radar to measure position and velocity. The basics of radar are discussed, and then a derivation of the Doppler shift formula is presented. First a more classical version, and then a discussion about relativity theory and the relativistically correct Doppler shift formula. This follows from
one of the postulates of relativity theory that the speed of light is the same for all observers.

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Please comment on this episode, I want to make this program better, let me know what you would like to see covered or if you have any questions. I am still looking for someone who would be willing to come to the Las Vegas area on the weekends to be part of this podcast, and for vendors willing to show their test and measurement products. Please contact me with your proposal.

 Episode 6 - Measuring the Cosmos: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (819)

In this episode we continue the discussion of measuring the universe on large scales. We discuss how measurement of distance can be made beyond the distance that parallax can be used. In particular that if there is some way one can determine how bright an object is, then one can determine the distance to the object.

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We briefly discuss the expanding universe and the startling discovery that the universe is accelerating.

Please, if you have any suggestions or comments, let us know so we can determine a direction to take this podcast.

 Episode 5 - Geometry and Measurement: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (797)

This episode was inspired by my youngest daughter’s geometry homework. We are starting a series on how to measure distance at large scales.

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In this episode we review some basic information about triangles from geometry, and then proceed to how to measure distances across the earth, the distance to the moon, the distance to the sun, and the distance to the closest stars using triangles.