Cosmic Distance Scale

The Cosmic Distance Scale is a method astronomers use to measure distances in the universe. Since astronomical objects are incredibly far away, conventional measurements like kilometers or miles aren't practical. Instead, astronomers use techniques like parallax (observing a star from different positions in Earth's orbit), standard candles (like supernovae with known brightness), and redshift (how light stretches as objects move away) to gauge distances. This scale helps us understand the structure of the universe, the size of galaxies, and the expansion of space itself, allowing scientists to map the cosmos effectively.