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Lesson 6 Lab - The Cosmic Distance Ladder Exercises The Cosmic Distance Ladder Module consists of material on seven different distance determination techniques. Four of the techniques have external simulators in addition to the background pages. You are encouraged to work through the material for each technique before moving on to the next technique. Radar Ranging Question 1: (2 points) Over the last 10 years, a large number of iceballs have been found in the outer solar system out beyond Pluto. These objects are collectively known as the Kuiper Belt. An amateur astronomer suggests using the radar ranging technique to learn the rotation periods of Kuiper Belt Objects. Do you think that this plan would be successful? Explain why or why not?

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Radar ranging is a technique often used in astronomy. This technique relies on the fact that light travels at a finite speed (299,792,458 m/s). When a light signal is directed at a planetary body, part of this signal is reflected back. This allows us to determine the distance of this body.

In this case, however, the radar ranging technique would not allow us to learn the rotation periods of the Kuiper Belt Objects. This is because the objects are too far away. When the objects are too far away, the signal will start to spread out, leading to a weak signal.