Chapter 206 - Sol Three Hundred and Twenty-Six, Eye Estimation and Orbit Altitude (2/2)

“How does this work?”

“It’s a very old way to determine distance. Before modern-day optics and radar were invented, this method was the standard method artillery troops used to determine the distance to their targets,” Tomcat explained. “The principle is very simple. It’s to form a triangle with one’s eyes, pencil, and the item to observe. An ordinary person’s eyes are separated by six centimeters or so. And the human arm is about sixty centimeters. This is a triangle with a base-height ratio of ten to one. A similar triangle’s base-height ratio is also ten to one.

“By using the Endeavor crater as a reference point, with its diameter being 22 kilometers. The pencil’s tip moved slightly more than half the distance of the crater, which is 11–12 kilometers,” Tomcat said. “This triangle’s base is twelve kilometers. Then, it’s height is 120 kilometers… This is the distance Miss Mai Dong is from the surface.”

Tang Yue was somewhat astonished, not with the method, but that the cat actually could derive the United Space Station’s altitude. It always knew of this method to measure the altitude but hadn’t told him.

“Currently, the United Space Station’s altitude is in the Martian atmosphere, which is beneath the ionosphere,” Tomcat said.

“I’m already within the atmosphere?” Mai Dong asked.

“In name. In fact, it’s no different from a vacuum,” Tomcat said. “The atmosphere’s density will rise sharply only below an altitude of sixty kilometers. Therefore, this height is still relatively safe. There’s still enough buffer. I believe the space station can last until Tianzhou 37 arrives.”

Tomcat’s promise was often more assuring than Tang Yue’s. This was because Tang Yue’s encouragement was fundamentally relying on blind confidence, including but not limited to “destiny is in the hands of man,” “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” and “human subjectivity is the driving force to determine history,” and other philosophical thoughts of the ancients. They were fine using it as a mantra, but using it on orbital mechanics was nothing but craziness.

However, Tomcat was different. Whatever it said was definitely established on rigorous mathematical and physical calculations.

What Mai Dong needed now wasn’t some mantra, but hard mathematical calculations.

The girl silently heaved a sigh of relief. Even though the method of measuring distance was ultimately crude, it was a way to ease her mind when they were at the rope’s end.

“Thank you, Mr. Cat.”

Tomcat didn’t say a word as it continued tightening the stretcher’s screws. The strength it used was so great that it fastened the screw so tight as though it had a vendetta with it. Then, Tomcat pressed down on the stretcher’s frame with all its strength, confirming that it could withstand an adult’s body weight without collapsing.

“I told you. Help will definitely arrive in time.” Tang Yue heaved a sigh of relief as well. Now, what he said had a tinge of confidence. “You still have a long life ahead. Lass, you still have many things to do. You can fully possess a blissful and meaningful life. Your future might be very boring and bland since Kunlun Station isn’t the best of places, but I am confident that you can still find happiness on it.”

“I’ll be counting on your well-wishes.” Mai Dong smiled. “If I can get down, I’ll take a wedding photo with you.”

“I’m not joking.” Tang Yue curled his lips. “You can stop joking about the wedding photo.”

“I’m not joking either.”

Tang Yue paused, feeling suffocated.

“I’m serious. I’m being serious…” The girl looked at the Martian surface beneath her and raised the pencil in her hand, closing one eye. Using a cheeky tone, she said, “Tang Yue, when I safely reach the ground, let’s get married.”