Enter the actual and apparent distances into the calculator to determine the parallax error. This calculator helps in assessing the accuracy of an observation by quantifying the difference due to parallax.
Parallax Error Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the parallax error:
PE = |AD - ApD|
Variables:
- PE is the parallax error (meters)
- AD is the actual distance from the observer to the object (meters)
- ApD is the apparent distance from the observer to the object (meters)
To calculate the parallax error, subtract the apparent distance from the actual distance and take the absolute value of the result.
What is Parallax Error?
Parallax error is the apparent shift in the position of an object when it is viewed from different angles. This error occurs when the observer’s eye is not directly in line with the measurement markings and the object being measured. It is a common issue in various fields such as astronomy, photography, and surveying. Understanding and correcting for parallax error is crucial for accurate measurements.
How to Calculate Parallax Error?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Parallax Error.
- First, determine the actual distance (AD) from the observer to the object in meters.
- Next, determine the apparent distance (ApD) from the observer to the object in meters.
- Next, gather the formula from above = PE = |AD – ApD|.
- Finally, calculate the Parallax Error (PE) in meters.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
actual distance (AD) = 50 meters
apparent distance (ApD) = 48 meters
