Outwards to the Stars - Measurement on Very Large Scales - Lecture 4

Explore large-scale measurement techniques in this fourth lecture from Reginald Victor Jones' 1981 Christmas Lectures series at The Royal Institution. Investigate how waves are used to measure astronomical distances and determine the velocities of celestial objects relative to Earth. Learn about triangulation methods for measuring distances to nearby stars, radar techniques for reaching planets, and how different wave velocities can reveal distances to distant objects through timing measurements. Discover navigation principles using hyperbolic curves and understand how measurement has shaped our modern understanding of the universe while recognizing the limitations of quantifying human qualities like love and courage. Recorded on December 4, 1981, this 58-minute lecture demonstrates the fundamental role of measurement in scientific advancement and technological development, from atomic energy to space exploration.