Part 2/10:
This narrative elegantly traverses the progression from measuring the Earth’s dimensions to comprehending the vastness of the solar system and the universe beyond. For Tao, the beauty of science lies not merely in the presentation of established facts but in unraveling the intricate reasoning behind our knowledge.
The Challenge of Cosmic Distances
When confronted with the awe-inspiring enormity of cosmic distances, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer scale involved. Yet, as Tao points out, what deserves equal admiration is the clever reasoning behind each measurement and discovery. The journey begins with understanding the first cosmic measurement—the radius of the Earth—an endeavor that presumes orbits are spherical.