[LibWhacker]

Does anyone know how many light years out we can make calculations about the properties of what we’re looking at

If they can see it, luminosity, temperature, composition, mass, speed, age, etc., all can be determined (or calculated, if you prefer) -- right out to the edge of the observable universe, 13 billion light years away. Check out this video, and intro to the "distance ladder," . So much of modern astronomy has been made possible by that ladder.

[wardaddy]

Thanks to both of you

Really great info