filling in the unspecified details of elegant-sounding descriptions of experimental methods.
12
votes
4answers
3k views
How do astronomers measure the distance to a star or other celestial object?
How do scientists measure the distance between objects in space? For example, Alpha Centauri is 4.3 light years away.
3
votes
2answers
253 views
What is the highest accuracy of measuring time differences achievable today?
I was wondering if it would be possible to shorten the distance between detectors when measuring the speed of neutrinos to, say, 7m rather than the current ~700km? In this way the distance traveled ...
4
votes
2answers
933 views
Strategies against 50 Hz mains hum on detector signals?
I'm having problems with a strong 50 Hz mains hum on signals created by photodetectors. I assume that they are due to ground loops and I realize that the best option would be to remove those. What are ...
3
votes
3answers
179 views
How to determine whether a large container is air-tight?
In constructing a kitchen-waste digester at home, I use a 50 Litre HDPE drum. The base of the drum is holed with a plug fitted to allow drainage when necessary.
The top has two openings - one for ...
0
votes
1answer
180 views
Calculational method for determining surface tensions from photograph of menisci?
How can I get from a photograph of a liquid surface to a value for the surface tension.
