Distinguish between astronomical unit and light year.
1 Answer
The difference between astronomical unit and light year is as follows:
| Astronomical unit | Light year |
| It is the distance between the sun and the earth. | It is the distance traveled by light in one year. |
| Its value is about 1.5 x 1011 m. | Its value is about 9.5 x 1015 m. |
Things to remember from Universe and unit of distance
- The vast surrounding that contains everything that exists is called universe. It includes the sun, the planets, constellation, comets, stars, etc.
- The distance traveled by light in one year is called one light year.
- The nearest star from our solar system is Alpha Centaury which is about 4.3 light years far. It means light takes 4.3 years to reach from this star to our solar system.
- The nearest galaxy from our solar system is Andromeda which is about 2×106m light years away.
- The stars are heavenly bodies of glowing gases and are extremely hot.
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