Difference between revisions of "Light-time"
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'''Light-time''' is the product of the [[speed of light]] in a vacuum and time it takes light to travel a certain distance in space. It is most commonly used in light-years to calculate interstellar distances.<ref>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light-time “Light-Time.”] n.d. In ''Marriam-Webster Dictionary''.</ref> | '''Light-time''' is the product of the [[speed of light]] in a vacuum and time it takes light to travel a certain distance in space. It is most commonly used in light-years to calculate interstellar distances.<ref>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light-time “Light-Time.”] n.d. In ''Marriam-Webster Dictionary''.</ref> | ||
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+ | For example, the Earth can be said to be 8.3 light minutes from the sun, since it takes 8.3 minutes for light to cross that distance. | ||
==Common units of light-time== | ==Common units of light-time== | ||
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|1 Light-hour | |1 Light-hour | ||
+ | |<math>1.079\times10^{9}\mathsf{mi}</math> | ||
|<math>6.706\times10^{8}\mathsf{m}</math> | |<math>6.706\times10^{8}\mathsf{m}</math> | ||
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|7.214 AU | |7.214 AU | ||
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Revision as of 12:50, 26 October 2024
Light-time is the product of the speed of light in a vacuum and time it takes light to travel a certain distance in space. It is most commonly used in light-years to calculate interstellar distances.[1]
For example, the Earth can be said to be 8.3 light minutes from the sun, since it takes 8.3 minutes for light to cross that distance.
Common units of light-time
The light-second, light-minute, and light-year (and to a lesser extent light-hour) are the most common light-time units used.
Unit | Meters | Miles | Astronomical Units |
---|---|---|---|
1 Light-second | 0.0020 AU | ||
1 Light-minute | 0.12 AU | ||
1 Light-hour | 7.214 AU | ||
1 Light-year | 63000 AU |
For Mars, light time translates into communication times. For example, it could be said that at its closest Mars is about 4 minutes away from Earth, while at maximum separation it is about 20 minutes away.
References
- ↑ “Light-Time.” n.d. In Marriam-Webster Dictionary.