Question

Alpha Centauri is the closest star system to the Solar System. It is 4.3 light years away. How far is Alpha Centauri in miles and au’s? Show your work.

Answer 1

Answer:

Distance of Alpha century in miles $= 25.279 * 10^{12}$

Distance of Alpha century in Astronomical unit  $= 2.719 * 10^5$

Explanation:

Given

Distance of Alpha Centauri from the Solar System $= 4.3$ light year

Light year is the distance traveled by light in one year. Its a unit of measurement for distant celestial objects

One light year $= 5.879 * 10^{12}$ miles

Total number of miles in $4.3$ light years is equal to

$4.3 * 5.879 * 10^{12}\\= 25.279 * 10^{12}$

Distance of Alpha century in miles $= 25.279 * 10^{12}$

Number of astronomical units in one light year $= 63241.1$

Total number of astronomical units in $4.3$ light years is equal to

$4.3 * 63241.1\\= 2.719 * 10^5$

Distance of Alpha century in Astronomical unit  $= 2.719 * 10^5$