In astronomy, distances are often expressed in light-years. One light-year is the distance traveled by light in one year. The distance to Alpha Centauri, the closest star other than our own sun that can be seen by the naked eye, is 4.7 light-years. Express this distance in meters.

Question

In astronomy, distances are often expressed in light-years. One light-year is the distance traveled by light in one year. The distance to Alpha Centauri, the closest star other than our own sun that can be seen by the naked eye, is 4.7 light-years. Express this distance in meters.

drwls · Answer

Multiply the speed of light, 3*10^8 m/s, by the number of seconds in 4.7 years.