Why is the stellar parallax method considered the most reliable measurement yardstick?

Answer

It depends only on geometry, not on assumptions about the star’s internal physics

Parallax relies purely on trigonometry and geometry based on Earth's orbital baseline, meaning it does not require any assumptions regarding the star's intrinsic brightness or internal physical processes.

Why is the stellar parallax method considered the most reliable measurement yardstick?

#Videos

How Do We Measure the Distance to Stars? - YouTube

How Scientists Measure The Distance To Stars and Galaxies

measurementastronomyDistancemethodstar