Question

How is the distance from the Earth to the nearest star (aside from our sun) calculated?

Answer 1

Astronomers can use the method of parallax angle to measure the Distance. Nearest star is Proxima centuari about 4,243 light years away..

Explanation:

THe parallax angle can be measure after 6 months interval and we can calculate the distance as given in the picture .
d= distance to star.
p=parallax angle in arc seconds.
picture credit www hip oooobsph FR.
the measure parallax to proxima c=0.77
d= 1/0.77 =12.98 parse s. multiply nby lightyears 12.98x 3.26=4.23 lighrtbyears