The Cosmic Distance Ladder

This lecture covers the fundamental problem of distance in astronomy, explaining the importance of distance measurements for interpreting observations. It discusses methods like wide-angle astrometry, direct distance measurement, and detached eclipsing binary distances. The presentation also delves into topics such as the Leavitt Law, the Tip of the Red Giant Branch, and the Hubble tension, providing insights into cosmological parameters derived from the Planck Cosmic Microwave Background data.