In Search of the Ultimate Ruler: The Grand Challenge of Distances in Astronomy

Even with the most powerful telescopes and instrumentation, astronomy faces a fundamental problem: the ability to determine the distance to objects in the cosmos. From the solar system to the cosmic microwave background, the history of astronomy is intertwined with the hunt for a better distance measure.  This talk will trace that history and that quest, from the era before telescopes to the telescopes of tomorrow.