The best way to find the exact distance to the Moon is to:
A)measure its exact size in the telescope.
B)use radar reflection times, about 2.56 second.
C)bounce lasers off the retroreflectors left on the surface by the Apollo landings.
D)make parallax measurements from observatories on opposite sides of the Earth.
E)use stellar occultations for precise timings of the Moon's position.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bouncing lasers off retroreflectors left on the surface by the Apollo landings is the most accurate method for determining the distance to the Moon. This technique allows for measurements to be made with an accuracy of within a few centimeters. Using radar reflection times or measuring the Moon's size in the telescope can only give an approximate distance. Parallax measurements require observing the Moon from two points on Earth separated by a known distance, which is difficult to achieve accurately. Stellar occultations can also give an approximate distance. The most precise method is to bounce lasers off the retroreflectors left on the surface by the Apollo landings, which can give a distance measurement with an accuracy of a few millimeters.

The Best Way to Find the Exact Distance to the Moon