"I am simply trying to explain that the apparent position (where you see them) of celestial objects is different from their actual position. I never would have guessed that this simple concept would be so hard to explain. I now have even more sympathy for Giordano Bruno." [excerpt]What is the maximum separation between the apparent position and the actually position?
I really have no idea. Throw in space-time curvature and stars 10 billion years old and I am clueless.
Is it possible for a stars actual position to be 180 degrees from its apparent position?
Sure, just position a black hole or two appropriately. And no I am not a racist.
In the LeGrandeic System of Astrophysics, it is indeed possible, and no black holes are necessary. post 498:
[mrjesse] If the earth were turning at the rate of 180 degrees per 8.5 minutes, how far lagged would the sun's optical image be from its real position?[LeGrande] 180 degrees off.