time to travel light year calculator

 Math and Physics Calculators

Please enter distance or time, the other value will be calculated. One year is counted as 31557600 seconds (365 1/4 days). Examples: the average distance of the moon from earth is 384400 kilometers. The light takes just under 1.3 seconds to get there. For one centimeter, light takes 3.3e-11 seconds. These are 0.000000000033 seconds (first digit ≠0 at the 11. decimal place).

Space Travel Calculator

Calculate how long it would take to reach planets, stars, or galaxies, as well as fuel mass, velocity and more, journey details.

Space Travel Calculator

Traveling in space: an introduction, before einstein: non-relativistic space travel, how to calculate the travel time: speed of light as ultimate speed limit, travel in a relativistic spaceship: calculations for time and speed, fuel calculator for space travel: astronomical pit-stop.

Humans are barely a spacefaring civilization, as we only entered our spatial neighborhood: our space travel calculator will answer the question "what if..."

• What if I board a ship that travels in space at constant acceleration?
• What if I can ignore the speed of light in calculating the travel time in space?
• What if Einstein was right (he is) and space travel is relativistic?

And much more.

Traveling in space is a whole different kettle of fish. No air means no friction, the ideal rocket equation rules undisputed, and usually, your destination is not exactly behind the corner.

Spaceflight is hard: humanity ventured as far as the Moon (slightly beyond if you consider the orbits around it) and did so only six times between 1969 and 1972. Since then, we have only ventured into Earth's orbit. However, the push for exploration didn't make vane; we are limited by technology and physics!

In this tool, we will consider what would happen to a spaceship that travels in space at constant acceleration . The good news is that since there is no friction up there, we don't have to burn fuel to maintain a constant speed. If our engine is on, we are accelerating (in fact, most of the time spent in space by a craft consists of coasting , engines off, and patiently waiting to reach the time for a correction in the trajectory).

Input the spacecraft mass, your destination (trust us on the directions), and what you want to do precisely: a fly-by or a full stop (in this case, we will calculate your space travel in two parts, the latter at a constant deceleration that would bring you at destination with zero speed, à la Expanse ).

🙋 Feel free to input a destination of your choice by inserting any distance in the proper variable's field.

The last choice before the departure: is your universe following the rules of Newton or Einstein? We'll see the differences in a second. Board the spaceship Calculator , buckle up and wait for the countdown.

🔎 To explain our space travel calculator, we will assume a constant 1 g 1g 1 g acceleration (the most comfortable for a human) and an empty spacecraft mass of 1.000  t 1.000\ \text{t} 1.000   t . The destination we chose for our spaceship calculator is the center of our galaxy , a supermassive black hole 27 , 900 27,900 27 , 900 light years away.

Gravity rules Newton's universe alone. There is no speed limit and no one of the weird relativistic effects we will meet shortly. We calculate your space travel using the equation for motion in a purely classic framework.

If you choose to arrive at your destination at the maximum speed possible, then we input your acceleration in space in the formula:

• a a a — The acceleration ;
• t t t — The time of flight ; and
• v f v_{\text{f}} v f ​ — The final speed .

To calculate the time, we use the distance d d d :

If you plan on visiting Sagittarius A, then you need to decelerate. In this case, the final speed is $$v_{\text{ f}} = 0$$, obviously, and the time of flight changes accordingly:

The time required to travel such a distance is... astronomical . As you can see in our constant acceleration space travel calculator:

• For a maximum speed flyby, the time is 232.5  y 232.5\ \text{y} 232.5   y ; and
• To stop at destination, 328.8  y 328.8\ \text{y} 328.8   y .

The maximum velocity in the first case is 240 240 240 times the speed of light. If Einstein could hear this, he would be utterly disappointed. To right this wrong, we will calculate the travel time if the speed of light genuinely represent an impenetrable barrier.

We enter the territory of relativistic effects . Relativistic space travel calculations are a bit more complicated. In layman's terms, the faster you go, the slower time passes for you, and the perceived length for you, the traveler, also reduces. These two effects, described by the theory of special relativity, are coded in two equations:

γ \gamma γ is the Lorentz factor :

Where β \beta β is the ratio, always smaller than 1 1 1 , between the spacecraft's speed and the light's speed.

To find the time required to reach a given destination in a universe ruled by Einstein's relativity theory, with constant acceleration in space, the formula we've seen before must be changed and split: time is relative, and because of this, the trip will have two durations.

For a maximum speed fly-by from the perspective of a stationary observer:

The duration of the journey as experienced by our astronauts is:

In these equations, d d d is the distance. In this relativistic framework, we calculate it with the formula:

Lastly, we can calculate the maximum velocity in relativistic space travel without deceleration:

In these formulas, we used the hyperbolic functions : visit our hyperbolic functions calculator to learn more about them.

For a visit to Sagittarius A*, the times required for relativistic travel at constant 1 g 1g 1 g acceleration would be:

The difference is noticeable , to say the least. The maximum speed would be 0.4 0.4 0.4 parts per billion smaller than the speed of light: the dilation effects would be extreme.

The formulas would change slightly if we wanted to stop at our destination. From the observer's point of view, the time passed is:

In our example, t = 27 , 902  y t=27,902\ \text{y} t = 27 , 902   y . From the perspective of the travelers, the time is:

Corresponding to 20  y 20\ \text{y} 20   y . The perceived time is much longer than before: almost two times. This is because the astronauts would not "enjoy" a noticeable time dilation during the initial and final parts of the journey.

For distance and maximum velocity, we apply the following formulas:

You can use our space travel calculator also to find the kinetic energy of an object moving at such speeds. You won't be surprised to learn that the kinetic energy of an object moving almost at the speed of light is astronomical .

Rocketry is another word for mastery in fuel economy : you can learn everything about it with our rocket thrust calculator . Imagining an interstellar journey using chemical, ionic, or nuclear rockets is wishful thinking. To even have a shot to the stars, we need to learn how to control the mass to energy conversion . The annihilation reaction between matter and antimatter would have a perfect yield, converting all the mass involved into energy .

Assuming this 100 % 100\% 100% efficiency, we can compute the required mass for our journey both in the classic and relativistic case:

The results of these equations are disheartening: to send our ship to the center of our galaxy and stop there, the required fuel in the relativistic case is almost 830 830 830 billion tons.

Will humans ever reach the star? Will Enterprises and Millenium Falcons cross the darkness between other Suns? With the technology of today, it's unlikely. But things change quickly, and what looks impossible today may be tomorrow's science. Be hopeful and keep dreaming about touching the sky.

Length contraction

Schwarzschild radius.

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CalcuNation

Light Year Distance Calculator

Calculate the distance light can travel in a given amount of time with this online calculator.

How do you calculate light year distance?

A light year is a measurement of distance. This distance is measured by how far light can travel in a year.

Light travels at approximately 186,000 miles per second.

In one year (365.25 days) that is equivalent to 5,869,713,600,000 miles.

Example: How far does light travel in 3 months.

3 months is 1/4 year. So enter .25 in the calculator to determine the distance that light travels in 3 months.

Answer: 1,467,428,400,000 miles

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Space Travel Calculator

Navigate the cosmos: explore with space travel calculator developed by newtum.

Curious about the cosmos? The Space Travel Calculator, developed by Newtum, is an innovative tool designed to bring the vast universe a little closer to home. Calculate distances, travel times, and more with ease.

Understanding the Cosmic Voyage Estimator

The Space Travel Calculator is an advanced tool designed to compute the complexities of space voyages. It integrates astronomical data and physics principles to provide accurate travel estimations for your cosmic journeys.

Deciphering the Mathematics Behind Cosmic Travel

The formula powering the Space Travel Calculator is pivotal for mapping out space journeys. It intricately factors in the vast distances and celestial mechanics, making it indispensable for any space enthusiast.

• Detail 1: Explanation of the first part of the Space Travel Calculator formula.
• Detail 2: Explanation of the second part of the Space Travel Calculator formula.
• Detail 3: How these parts interrelate to provide travel time calculations.

Step-By-Step Guide to Using the Space Travel Calculator

Our Space Travel Calculator is remarkably user-friendly. Simply follow the instructions below to calculate your space journey with precision and ease.

• Step 1: Enter your departure point in the designated field.
• Step 2: Input your destination within the vast cosmos.
• Step 3: Provide any additional parameters required by the tool.
• Step 4: Click 'Calculate' to receive instant space travel estimations.

Why Choose Our Space Travel Calculator: Outstanding Features Unveiled

• User-Friendly Interface: Navigate with ease.
• Instant Results: Get space travel calculations in a flash.
• Data Security: Your information stays on your device.
• Accessibility Across Devices: Use the tool on any modern browser.
• No Installation Needed: Access the calculator instantly online.
• Examples for Clarity: Understand complex calculations through examples.
• Versatile Birth Year Queries: Catered to diverse user needs.
• Transparent Process: See how your data is processed in real-time.
• Educational Resource: Learn about space as you calculate.
• Responsive Customer Support: We're here to help with any queries.
• Regular Updates: Enjoy the latest features and improvements.
• Privacy Assurance: No data is sent to servers, ensuring privacy.
• Efficient Age Retrieval: Quick and accurate.
• Language Accessibility: Available in multiple languages.
• Engaging and Informative Content: Explore space travel while having fun.
• Fun and Interactive Learning: A great tool for educational purposes.
• Shareable Results: Easily share your space travel calculations.
• Responsive Design: Works smoothly on various screen sizes.
• Educational Platform Integration: A valuable addition to learning resources.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed information at your fingertips.

Applications and Benefits of the Space Travel Calculator

• Application 1: Planning hypothetical space missions.
• Application 2: Educational purposes for astronomy students.
• Benefit 1: Enhances understanding of astronomical distances.
• Benefit 2: Provides a practical application of physics and mathematics.

Real-World Examples: Understanding the Space Travel Calculator

Example 1: For an input parameter of x light-years and a spacecraft speed of y, the Space Travel Calculator estimates the journey time to be z years.

Example 2: If the departure is from Earth (parameter x) to Mars (parameter y) at an ideal alignment, the calculator will output the optimal travel duration based on current propulsion technologies.

Ensuring Your Data Security with Our Space Travel Calculator

In conclusion, the Space Travel Calculator offers a unique and secure way to explore the intricacies of space travel. Since the calculations are performed directly on your device, you have the assurance that your data remains private. This tool does not require server processing, meaning the information never leaves your computer. It's not just a tool; it's your personal guide through the cosmos, offering a safe and interactive experience. Whether you're a student, educator, or space enthusiast, our calculator provides valuable insights without compromising your data security.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Space Travel Calculator

Frequently asked questions.

• What is the Space Travel Calculator?
• How does the Space Travel Calculator work?
• Can I use the Space Travel Calculator for actual space mission planning?
• Is the Space Travel Calculator easy to use?
• Does the Space Travel Calculator ensure the privacy of my data?

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Space travel calculator

Do you want to travel to another planet? Or perhaps even another star system?

Then you can use this calculator to work out how long it will take you, how much energy your spacecraft needs and what your maximum velocity will be. If you travel close to the speed of light, you can also see how much time it will take from your point of view and from the point of view of the people on earth. You can also see how the length of your spacecraft will shorten for observers watching it from earth, if only they had powerful enough telescopes.

This is the simplest way to use the space travel calculator:

• Enter a distance to a planet or star. Don't know any? Then type Pr and press the down arrow. The distance to Proxima Centauri appears. Select it and the distance will be filled in. Try other places in space.
• Click Calculate . The calculator determines the remaining unfilled values.
• Click Run . Watch the space rocket travel from earth to your destination. Also watch the clocks of the observer and the traveler.

Known problems

The animation spacecraft is at a different scale to the distance between the observer and destination. Even for the shortest space travel distances, for example the earth to the moon, the spacecraft would occupy less than a pixel. This problem will not be fixed.

As an object moves further into the distance it appears smaller to an observer. This change in perspective distance is not represented in the animation. The reduction in the spacecraft length from the observer's framework at velocities approaching the speed of light is an entirely different concept to perspective distance.

If you set the iterations on the animation to a low number, e.g. less than 20, the animation's spaceship time will not be calculated accurately if the observer and traveler times diverge substantially.

The code is old and the user interface needs to be refreshed. (Also the PHP component is overkill and was only used for learning purposes.) You're encouraged to improve the code and place the travel calculator on your own website; it's FLOSS.

A bug fix was made in June 2016. The calculation for the fuel needed for the trip did not take into account conservation of momentum. These two webpages helped me correct the error and I am grateful to the various people contributed the notes that helped me fix this (Physics Stack Exchange users user2096078, Qmechanic and udrv, Don Koks for the Relativistic Rocket, and John F who emailed me) :

• The Relativistic Rocket
• Physics Stack Exchange.

Copyright (C) Nathan Geffen 2012 under the GNU Affero General Public License . This software is available here . There are probably bugs, bad ones. And there are no doubt errors in the text. I would like this site to be 100% accurate eventually. Please tell me about bugs and errors by emailing nathangeffen at quackdown dot info or logging issues at the above code repository.

Last updated: 5 June 2016.

This is the distance from earth to your destination. Either enter a value or search the database for a distance to a space object by typing the first few letters of its name. All objects in the database matching that start with the letters you have typed will appear. Select the one you want. Distances are approximate because the planets' positions change continuosly relative to the earth. If you leave distance blank, it will be calculated --if you enter the observer time elapsed and the traveler's maximum velocity-- using this equation:

   where     c = the speed of light,     v = maximum velocity,     t = time elapsed in observer timeframe.

Source: Most Direct Derivation of Relativistic Constant Acceleration Distance Formula

This is the constant acceleration of the traveler's spacecraft. Half way through the journey, the spacecraft starts decelerating at the same rate.

If you leave the acceleration blank, it will be calculated using Newton's laws of motion (depending on which fields have values):

   where     s = distance,     v = maximum velocity and     t = time elapsed in observer timeframe

This is increasingly inaccurate as you approach the speed of light, so for large distances, such as to the nearest stars, it is better to enter the acceleration manually.

If a spacecraft accelerates constantly at 1g --or 9.8m/s-- the travelers on board can experience earth-like gravity. Unfortunately interstellar travel at this acceleration will likely never be achieved because of the huge amount of energy required. It is not possible to travel to the nearest stars at this acceleration if the fuel must be carried onboard the spacecraft, no matter what kind of fuel is used.

This is the maximum velocity the spacecraft will reach, from the perspective of an observer on earth. This occurs when the spacecraft is half way to its destination. This is calculated using this equation:

   where     c = speed of light,     a = acceleration and     t = time elapsed to end of journey in observer timeframe.

Source: The Sky This Week .

This is the time elapsed for the whole journey from the observer on earth's time frame. This is calculated using this equation:

   where     c = speed of light,     d = distance of the journey and     a = acceleration.

This is the time elapsed for the whole journey from the perspective of the spacecraft. This is calculated using this equation:

This is the mass of the spacecraft excluding its fuel. The default value of 25,000kg is approximately the maximum payload of the Endeavour space shuttle .

Note that if this field is blanked out it is not calculated. This field must have a value if you want energy and fuel mass to be calculated.

Also note that if the fuel mass is calculated to be more than the mass of your spacecraft, then your trip cannot be done unless you extract fuel from space. If your fuel mass is more than half the mass of your spacecraft, you're probably on a one way trip, so take enough food, books and episodes of Star Trek to last the rest of your life.

This is the amount of energy your spacecraft's payload will need to constantly accelerate to half way to your destination and then decelerate at the same rate until you reach your destination. This is calculated using this equation:

   where     c = speed of light,     v = maximum velocity and     m = spacecraft mass.

The fuel conversion rate is the the efficiency with which your spacecraft's fuel is converted into energy. At today's fuel conversion rates there is no prospect of sending a spacecraft to another star in a reasonable period of time. Advances in technologies such as nuclear fusion are needed first.

The default fuel conversion rate of 0.008 is for hydrogen into helium fusion. David Oesper explains that this rate assumes 100% of the fuel goes into propelling the spacecraft, but there will be energy losses which will require a greater amount of fuel than this.

    e = energy,     m = fuel mass and     c = speed of light.

This is the mass of the fuel needed to for your journey. This is calculated using this equation:

    v = maximum velocity and     c = speed of light.

Source: The Relativistic Rocket and Physics Stack Exchange. (Thanks to users user2096078, Qmechanic and udrv. Also thanks to John F for informing me of a bug that has now hopefully been corrected.)

This is the length of the spacecraft at the beginning of the journey. Note that the spacecraft length always stays the same for the people in it. This is calculated using this equation:

   where     l = length of traveler from observer's perspective,     v = maximum velocity of traveler and     c = speed of light.

Source: Hyperphysics .

This is the length of the spacecraft from the observer on earth's perspective. Of course spacecrafts are small, so it would be impossible to see a spacecraft from earth on an interstellar voyage. This is calculated using this equation:

   where     l 0 = original length of spacecraft on earth,     v = maximum velocity of traveler and     c = speed of light.

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How to Calculate a Light Year

Last Updated: September 1, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 306,627 times. Learn more...

At first glance, you may think that a light year is a measure of time given that it has the word year in it. Light years are actually a measure of distance that uses light as a standard. If you have ever told a friend you are about five minutes away, you have also used time as a measure of distance. [1] X Research source The distances between stars across the universe are very great, so astronomers use light years as a larger unit than miles or kilometers. To calculate the actual distance of a light year, you simply need to multiply the speed of light by the number of seconds in a year.

Calculating a Light Year

• Another measure of distance you may come across when learning astronomy is the parsec. It is equal to 3.26 light years. It is another way to simplify the numbers used to calculate and discuss astronomical distances. [3] X Research source

• If you want to know the distance of a light year in kilometers, you will need to find the speed of light in kilometers per second. If you want miles, you will need the speed of light in miles per second.
• You need to know the number of seconds in one Earth year for this calculation.

• For this calculation we will use the speed of light, c, equals 186,000 miles per second. This can be rewritten in scientific notation as 1.86 x 10 5 miles per second.

• 1 year x 365 days/year x 24 hours/day x 60 minutes/hour x 60 seconds/minute = 31,536,000 seconds. [6] X Research source
• Again, we can rewrite this large number using scientific notation as 3.154 x 10 7 .

• d = (1.86 x 10 5 ) x (3.154 x 10 7 seconds)
• d = 5.8 x 10 12 or 5.8 trillion miles.

• d = (3.00 x 10 5 ) x (3.154 x 10 7 seconds)
• d = 9.46 x 10 12 or 9.5 trillion kilometers.

Converting Distances to Light Years

• To convert feet into miles, remember that there are 5,280 feet in a mile: x ft (1 mile/5280 ft) = miles. [9] X Research source
• To convert meters into kilometers, simply divide by 1000: x m (1 km/1000 m) = km.

• To convert from kilometers to light years, you will use: 1 light year/(9.46 x 10 12 km). [10] X Research source
• To convert from miles to light years, you will use: 1 light year/(5.88 x 10 12 miles). [11] X Research source

• For example: If you knew that an object was approximately 14.2 x 10 14 miles away from Earth, how many light years would that be?
• Use the miles conversion factor: 1/(5.88 x 10 12 )
• Multiply: (14.2 x 10 14 ) x (1/(5.88 x 10 12 )) = 2.41 x 10 2 = 241 light years.
• The object is 241 light years away.

• Remember, there are always multiple ways to get help when looking for an answer.

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://earthsky.org/space/what-is-a-light-year
• ↑ https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/light-year/en/
• ↑ https://www.space.com/parsec
• ↑ http://www.gcse.com/eb/universe3.htm
• ↑ http://www.universetoday.com/38040/speed-of-light-in-mph/
• ↑ https://sciencing.com/calculate-distance-light-5974042.html
• ↑ https://www.space.com/light-year.html
• ↑ http://www.asknumbers.com/MilesToFeetConversion.aspx
• ↑ http://www.metric-conversions.org/length/kilometers-to-lightyears.htm
• ↑ http://www.metric-conversions.org/length/lightyears-to-miles.htm

About This Article

One light year is equal to 5.8 trillion miles. To calculate this number, use the formula d = c × t, where d is 1 light year, c is the speed of light, and t is the number of seconds in 1 year. The speed of light is equal to 186,000 miles per second, or the time it takes for light to travel in a vacuum. The number of seconds in 1 year is equal to 31,536,000 seconds. Plug these values into the formula and solve for d. For more help, like how to convert distances into light years, read on. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Speed of Light Calculator

Table of contents

With this speed of light calculator, we aim to help you calculate the distance light can travel in a fixed time . As the speed of light is the fastest speed in the universe, it would be fascinating to know just how far it can travel in a short amount of time.

We have written this article to help you understand what the speed of light is , how fast the speed of light is , and how to calculate the speed of light . We will also demonstrate some examples to help you understand the computation of the speed of light.

What is the speed of light? How fast is the speed of light?

The speed of light is scientifically proven to be the universe's maximum speed. This means no matter how hard you try, you can never exceed this speed in this universe. Hence, there are also some theories on getting into another universe by breaking this limit. You can understand this more using our speed calculator and distance calculator .

So, how fast is the speed of light? The speed of light is 299,792,458 m/s in a vacuum. The speed of light in mph is 670,616,629 mph . With this speed, one can go around the globe more than 400,000 times in a minute!

One thing to note is that the speed of light slows down when it goes through different mediums. Light travels faster in air than in water, for instance. This phenomenon causes the refraction of light.

Now, let's look at how to calculate the speed of light.

How to calculate the speed of light?

As the speed of light is constant, calculating the speed of light usually falls on calculating the distance that light can travel in a certain time period. Hence, let's have a look at the following example:

• Source: Light
• Speed of light: 299,792,458 m/s
• Time traveled: 100 seconds

You can perform the calculation in three steps:

Determine the speed of light.

As mentioned, the speed of light is the fastest speed in the universe, and it is always a constant in a vacuum. Hence, the speed of light is 299,792,458 m/s .

Determine the time that the light has traveled.

The next step is to know how much time the light has traveled. Unlike looking at the speed of a sports car or a train, the speed of light is extremely fast, so the time interval that we look at is usually measured in seconds instead of minutes and hours. You can use our time lapse calculator to help you with this calculation.

For this example, the time that the light has traveled is 100 seconds .

Calculate the distance that the light has traveled.

The final step is to calculate the total distance that the light has traveled within the time . You can calculate this answer using the speed of light formula:

distance = speed of light × time

Thus, the distance that the light can travel in 100 seconds is 299,792,458 m/s × 100 seconds = 29,979,245,800 m

What is the speed of light in mph when it is in a vacuum?

The speed of light in a vacuum is 670,616,629 mph . This is equivalent to 299,792,458 m/s or 1,079,252,849 km/h. This is the fastest speed in the universe.

Is the speed of light always constant?

Yes , the speed of light is always constant for a given medium. The speed of light changes when going through different mediums. For example, light travels slower in water than in air.

How can I calculate the speed of light?

You can calculate the speed of light in three steps:

Determine the distance the light has traveled.

Apply the speed of light formula :

speed of light = distance / time

How far can the speed of light travel in 1 minute?

Light can travel 17,987,547,480 m in 1 minute . This means that light can travel around the earth more than 448 times in a minute.

Speed of light

The speed of light in the medium. In a vacuum, the speed of light is 299,792,458 m/s.

How Far is a Light Year?

How far is a light-year ? It might seem like a weird question because isn’t a ‘year’ a unit of time, and ‘far’ a unit of distance? While that is correct, a ‘light-year’ is actually a measure of distance. A light-year is the distance light can travel in one year.

Light is the fastest thing in our Universe traveling through interstellar space at 186,000 miles/second (300,000 km/sec). In one year, light can travel 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion km).

A light year is a basic unit astronomers use to measure the vast distances in space.

To give you a great example of how far a light year actually is, it will take Voyager 1 (NASA’s longest-lived spacecraft) over 17,000 years to reach 1 light year in distance traveling at a speed of 61,000 kph.

Related Post: 13 Amazing Facts About Space

Why Do We Use Light-Years?

Because space is so vast, the measurements we use here on Earth are not very helpful and would result in enormous numbers.

When talking about locations in our own galaxy we would have numbers with over 18 zeros. Instead, astronomers use light-time measurements to measure vast distances in space. A light-time measurement is how far light can travel in a given increment of time.

• Light-minute: 11,160,000 miles
• Light-hour: 671 million miles
• Light-year: 5.88 trillion miles

Understanding Light-Years

To help wrap our heads around how to use light-years, let’s look at how far things are away from the Earth starting with our closest neighbor, the Moon.

The Moon is 1.3 light-seconds from the Earth.

Earth is about 8 light-minutes (~92 million miles) away from the Sun. This means light from the Sun takes 8 minutes to reach us.

Jupiter is approximately 35 light minutes from the Earth. This means if you shone a light from Earth it would take about a half hour for it to hit Jupiter.

Pluto is not the edge of our solar system, in fact, past Pluto, there is the Kieper Belt , and past this is the Oort Cloud . The Oort cloud is a spherical layer of icy objects surrounding our entire solar system.

If you could travel at the speed of light, it would take you 1.87 years to reach the edge of the Oort cloud. This means that our solar system is about 4 light-years across from edge to edge of the Oort Cloud.

The distance between the Sun and Interstellar Space. NASA/JPL-Caltech .

The nearest known exoplanet orbits the star Proxima Centauri , which is four light years away (~24 trillion miles). If a modern-day jet were to fly to this exoplanet it would not arrive for 5 million years.

One of the most distant exoplanets is 3,000 light-years (17.6 quadrillion miles) away from us in the Milky Way. If you were to travel at 60 miles an hour, you would not reach this exoplanet for 28 billion years.

Our Milky Way galaxy is approximately 100,000 light-years across (~588 quadrillion miles). Moving further into our Universe, our nearest neighbor, the Andromeda galaxy is 2.537 million light-years (14.7 quintillion miles) away from us.

The Andromeda Galaxy is 2.537 million light-years away from us.

Light, a Window into the Past

While we cannot actually travel through time, we can see into the past. How? We see objects because they either emit light or light has bounced off their surface and is traveling back to us.

Even though light is the fastest thing in our Universe, it takes time to reach us. This means that for any object we are seeing it how it was in the past. How far in the past? However long it took the light to reach us.

For day-to-day objects like a book or your dog, it takes a mere fraction of a fraction of a second for the light bouncing off the object to reach your eye. The further away an object is, the further into its past you are looking.

For instance, light from the Sun takes about 8 minutes to reach Earth, this means we are always seeing the Sun how it looked 8 minutes ago if you were on its surface.

The differences between Lunar Distance, an Astronomical Unit, and a Light Year. Illustration by Star Walk .

Traveling back through our solar system, Jupiter is approximately 30 light-minutes from Earth, so we see Jupiter how it looked 30 minutes ago if you were on its surface. Extending out into the Universe to our neighbor the Andromeda galaxy, we see it how it was 2.537 million years ago.

If there is another civilization out in the Universe watching Earth, they would not see us here today, they would see Earth in the past. A civilization that lives 65 million light-years away would see dinosaurs roaming the Earth.

Helpful Resources:

• How big is the Solar System? (Universe Today)
• What is an Astronomical Unit? (EarthSky)
• How close is Proxima Centauri? (NASA Imagine The Universe)

What is a light-year?

Light-years make measuring astronomical distances much more manageable.

How far is a light-year?

Why use light-years, alternatives to light-years.

A light-year is a measurement of distance and not time (as the name might imply). A light-year is the distance a beam of light travels in a single Earth year, which equates to approximately 6 trillion miles (9.7 trillion kilometers). 

On the scale of the universe , measuring distances in miles or kilometers is cumbersome given the exceedingly large numbers being discussed. It is much simpler for astronomers to measure the distances of stars from us in the time it takes for light to travel that expanse. For example, the nearest star to our sun , Proxima Centauri , is 4.2 light-years away, meaning the light we see from the star takes a little over four years to reach us. 

The speed of light is constant throughout the universe and is known to high precision. In a vacuum, light travels at 670,616,629 mph (1,079,252,849 km/h). To find the distance of a light-year, you multiply this speed by the number of hours in a year (8,766). The result: One light-year equals 5,878,625,370,000 miles (9.5 trillion km). At first glance, this may seem like an extreme distance, but the enormous scale of the universe dwarfs this length. One estimate puts the diameter of the known universe at 28 billion light-years in diameter .

Measuring in miles or kilometers at an astronomical scale is impractical given the scale of figures being used. Starting in our cosmic neighborhood, the closest star-forming region to us, the Orion Nebula , is a short 7,861,000,000,000,000 miles away, or expressed in light-years, 1,300 light-years away. The center of our galaxy is about 27,000 light-years away. The nearest spiral galaxy to ours, the Andromeda galaxy , is 2.5 million light-years away. Some of the most distant galaxies we can see are billions of light-years from us. The galaxy GN-z11 is thought to be the farthest detectable galaxy from Earth at 13.4 billion light-years away.

Like degrees, the light-year can also be broken down into smaller units of light-hours, light-minutes or light-seconds. For instance, the sun is more than 8 light-minutes from Earth, while the moon is just over a light-second away. Scientists use these terms when talking about communications with deep-space satellites or rovers. Because of the finite speed of light, it can take more than 20 minutes to send a signal to the Curiosity rover on Mars .

Measuring in light-years also allows astronomers to determine how far back in time they are viewing. Because light takes time to travel to our eyes, everything we view in the night sky has already happened. In other words, when you observe something 1 light-year away, you see it as it appeared exactly one year ago. We see the Andromeda galaxy as it appeared 2.5 million years ago. The most distant object we can see, the cosmic microwave background , is also our oldest view of the universe, occurring just after the Big Bang some 13.8 billion years ago.

Astronomers also use parsecs as an alternative to the light-year. Short for parallax-second, a parsec comes from the use of triangulation to determine the distance of stars. To be more specific, it is the distance to a star whose apparent position shifts by 1 arcsecond (1/3,600 of a degree) in the sky after Earth orbits halfway around the sun. One arcsecond is equal to 3.26 light-years.

Whether it's light-years or parsecs, astronomers will continue to use both to measure distances in our expansive and grand universe. 

Additional resources: 

• Watch astronomer Paul Sutter's " We Don't Planet" Episode 9: The Cosmic Distance Ladder . 
• Learn more about how astronomers measure the universe , from the International Astronomical Union.
• Watch " Powers of Ten" (1977) , which gives perspective on the size of the universe.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

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Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine. He has a degree in History from the University of Leeds. He has previously worked as editor of video game magazines games™ and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK.

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Tool to make calculations with time dilation. Time dilation is an effect of the special relativity which states that time is going slower if an object is moving.

Time Dilation - dCode

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• Time Dilation
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• Time Dilatation Calculator

Data measured according to an observer ...

An object/a person is moving with a speed of..., ... during a total time of ..., answers to questions (faq).

• What is the time dilation?

The dilation of time is a consequence of Einstein's theory of special relativity: the perception of flow of time is different according to the relative speed of movement of an object relative to an observer.

• What is the time dilation formula?

Calculation involves Lorentz factor and is calculated with this formula:

$$ \Delta{t} = \frac{\Delta\tau}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}\ $$

Example: A moving person (A) voyaging during 1 hour at 99% of the speed of light will appear as a 7 hours-long trip for a stationary person (B).

• How has the dilation of time been proven with atomic clocks?

According to the theory of relativity of Albert Einstein, time is defined in each frame of reference. By associating a clock in each referential, and deduce the time changes ( time dilation ) for an observer outside of the clock frame of reference, which will see a clock moving with a tick slower than a stationary clock.

An experiment was carried out by installing atomic clocks in planes and returned to earth by comparing the time of the clocks: there was a shift similar to that expected by the theory.

• What is the speed of light?

The speed of light in a vacuum is of 299792458 m/s (an order of magnitude of 300000 km/s) or 1079252848 km/h.

• What is the twin paradox?

The Twin Paradox is a thought experiment presented by Paul Langevin, which is at first sight paradoxical / contradictory.

Take twins, one of them travels at a speed close to that of light, then returns to Earth.

According to the time dilation phenomenon, the twin stayed on Earth lived longer than the one who left in space (which measured less seconds during the trip) and so the traveling twin became younger than his twin on Earth.

However, by changing the frame of reference, the traveling twin may consider that he has remained immobile and that it is his brother who has travel at a speed close to that of light and thus think that it is him who is become younger.

The experience of atomic clocks has clarified the fact that it is the twin traveler who is younger.

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Have you ever wondered how long it would really take the Enterprise to travel from Earth to Vulcan at warp 5? Or how far the Defiant could possibly get at warp 9 in just five days? What about figuring out how fast Voyager ’s maximum speed (Warp 9.975) is in multiples of the speed of light? The Warp Speed Calculator is designed to answer these questions. Simply input two of three variables (speed, distance, and time), and the form will calculate the third for you. It will even convert equivalent units, like years to days, light-years to parsecs, or warp factors to multiples of c . And you, too, can sound like a Treknology expert!

What Is a Light-Year?

An image of distant galaxies captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, RELICS; Acknowledgment: D. Coe et al.

For most space objects, we use light-years to describe their distance. A light-year is the distance light travels in one Earth year. One light-year is about 6 trillion miles (9 trillion km). That is a 6 with 12 zeros behind it!

Looking Back in Time

When we use powerful telescopes to look at distant objects in space, we are actually looking back in time. How can this be?

Light travels at a speed of 186,000 miles (or 300,000 km) per second. This seems really fast, but objects in space are so far away that it takes a lot of time for their light to reach us. The farther an object is, the farther in the past we see it.

Our Sun is the closest star to us. It is about 93 million miles away. So, the Sun's light takes about 8.3 minutes to reach us. This means that we always see the Sun as it was about 8.3 minutes ago.

The next closest star to us is about 4.3 light-years away. So, when we see this star today, we’re actually seeing it as it was 4.3 years ago. All of the other stars we can see with our eyes are farther, some even thousands of light-years away.

Stars are found in large groups called galaxies . A galaxy can have millions or billions of stars. The nearest large galaxy to us, Andromeda, is 2.5 million light-years away. So, we see Andromeda as it was 2.5 million years in the past. The universe is filled with billions of galaxies, all farther away than this. Some of these galaxies are much farther away.

An image of the Andromeda galaxy, as seen by NASA's GALEX observatory. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

In 2016, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope looked at the farthest galaxy ever seen, called GN-z11. It is 13.4 billion light-years away, so today we can see it as it was 13.4 billion years ago. That is only 400 million years after the big bang . It is one of the first galaxies ever formed in the universe.

Learning about the very first galaxies that formed after the big bang, like this one, helps us understand what the early universe was like.

This picture shows hundreds of very old and distant galaxies. The oldest one found so far in GN-z11 (shown in the close up image). The image is a bit blurry because this galaxy is so far away. Credit: NASA, ESA, P. Oesch (Yale University), G. Brammer (STScI), P. van Dokkum (Yale University), and G. Illingworth (University of California, Santa Cruz)

More to explore

What Is a Galaxy?

How Far Away Is the Moon?

What Is a Nebula?

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Light Year Conversions

Convert light years to, search calculateme.

Arcseconds to Light Years Calculator

How do you convert arcseconds to light years? To convert arcseconds to light years, you need to know the distance to the object and use trigonometry. The formula is: Distance (in light years) = 1 / Parallax angle (in arcseconds).

How many arcseconds are in a parsec? There are 3,600,000 arcseconds in a single parsec.

How is 1 light year calculated? One light year is the distance that light travels in one year. It is calculated by multiplying the speed of light (approximately 299,792,458 meters per second) by the number of seconds in a year (31,536,000 seconds).

How many light years is a parallax? The distance in light years to an object can be calculated using the formula: Distance (in light years) = 1 / Parallax angle (in arcseconds).

How long is 1 second in Light years? 1 second is an infinitesimally small fraction of a light year. It is not practical to convert seconds directly to light years.

How many Light years make 1 per second? 1 light year is equivalent to a vast number of seconds. Converting 1 per second to light years is not meaningful in this context.

How do you convert Arcsec to parsec? To convert arcseconds to parsecs, you can use the formula: Distance (in parsecs) = 1 / Parallax angle (in arcseconds).

Why is a parsec 3.26 light years? The value of 3.26 light years comes from the definition of a parsec, which is the distance at which a star has a parallax angle of one arcsecond. This value is derived using trigonometry.

How many arcseconds is the sun? The apparent size of the Sun from Earth is approximately 1,920 arcseconds.

How many years is 1 light-year? 1 light-year is the distance that light travels in one year.

How long ago is 1 light-year? When we observe an object that is 1 light-year away, we are seeing it as it was 1 year ago, because light takes 1 year to travel that distance.

How much is 1 light-year time? 1 light-year represents a distance, not a measure of time.

Can we see a galaxy that is 50 billion light years away? The observable universe has a finite age of about 13.8 billion years, so we cannot see objects that are currently 50 billion light years away. The most distant objects we can observe are closer to the edge of the observable universe.

How far away would a star with a parallax angle of 1 arcsecond be? A star with a parallax angle of 1 arcsecond would be located at a distance of 1 parsec (about 3.26 light years).

Is a parsec longer than a light year? Yes, a parsec is longer than a light year. 1 parsec is approximately equal to 3.26 light years.

How fast is a light-year in mph? A light-year is not a measure of speed, but a measure of distance. It represents the distance that light travels in one year.

How far is 1 second of light? The distance that light travels in 1 second is approximately 299,792,458 meters, which is the speed of light.

How fast is the actual speed of light? The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

How long would it take to travel 500 light years? The time it would take to travel 500 light years depends on the speed of travel. If we assume the speed of light, it would take 500 years.

What does parsec stand for? The term “parsec” is a combination of “parallax” and “arcsecond.” It is a unit of distance used in astronomy.

How many times can light go around the Earth in one second? Light can travel around the Earth about 7.5 times in one second.

How long is an arcsecond? An arcsecond is a unit of angular measurement. It is 1/3600th of a degree.

Is an Arcsec a unit of distance? No, an arcsecond (arcsec) is a unit of angular measurement, not a unit of distance.

What is parallax of 1 second of arc? A parallax angle of 1 second of arc corresponds to a distance of 1 parsec (approximately 3.26 light years).

How many parsecs is the Milky Way? The Milky Way galaxy has a diameter of about 30,000 to 37,000 parsecs.

How many parsecs is the universe? The size of the observable universe is estimated to be about 8,800,000 parsecs in radius.

Can light travel a parsec in a year? Yes, light can travel a parsec (approximately 3.26 light years) in about a year’s time.

How many arcseconds can the human eye see? The human eye can resolve objects down to about 1 arcminute (60 arcseconds) under optimal conditions.

How long is an arcsecond on Earth? The actual distance represented by 1 arcsecond on Earth depends on the specific distance to the object being observed. It’s a small angular measurement that varies in distance based on the object’s actual distance.

How do you calculate arcseconds? Arcseconds are calculated by dividing the angle subtended by an object by 3600, since there are 3600 arcseconds in a degree.

How many light years is the Milky Way? The Milky Way galaxy is estimated to be about 100,000 to 120,000 light years in diameter.

How long is 40 light years in human years? If you’re asking how long it would take for a journey of 40 light years, it would depend on the speed of travel. If we consider the speed of light, the journey would take 40 years.

How many light years can we see? The observable universe has a finite age of about 13.8 billion years, so we can observe objects that are up to 13.8 billion light years away.

How long is a day in a light-year? A “day” is a concept based on Earth’s rotation, so it doesn’t have a direct equivalent in a light-year.

How old is the light we see from the sun? The light we see from the Sun is about 8 minutes and 20 seconds old, since it takes that amount of time for light to travel from the Sun to Earth.

How can we see stars millions of lightyears away? When we observe stars that are millions of light years away, we are essentially seeing light that has been traveling to us for millions of years. It’s a way to look back in time.

Is a light-year 365 days? No, a light-year is not a measure of time, but a measure of distance. It represents the distance that light travels in one year.

How far away is Voyager 1 in light-years? As of my last update in September 2021, Voyager 1 is over 14 billion miles (over 21 billion kilometers) away from Earth. This distance is not equivalent to light-years, but rather a measure of its position within our solar system.

How long would it take to travel 4 light-years? The time it would take to travel 4 light years depends on the speed of travel. If we assume the speed of light, it would take 4 years.

What exists beyond the universe? The nature of what might exist beyond the observable universe is a topic of philosophical and speculative discussion. Currently, our understanding is limited by the boundaries of our observations.

How far can we look back in time? We can look back in time by observing distant objects. The farthest observable objects are nearly as old as the universe itself, at around 13.8 billion years.

Is space infinite? The question of whether space is infinite or finite is still an open question in cosmology. Our observable universe has a finite size, but the nature of the entire universe is still a subject of scientific exploration.

What is the absolute magnitude of our Sun? The absolute magnitude of the Sun is about +4.83.

What is the parallax of 0.1 arcsecond? A parallax angle of 0.1 arcsecond corresponds to a distance of 10 parsecs.

Which has the largest apparent brightness? An object with a lower apparent magnitude has a larger apparent brightness. For example, an object with an apparent magnitude of -1 is brighter than an object with an apparent magnitude of +1.

How fast is the speed of dark? “Darkness” is the absence of light, and it doesn’t have a speed. The speed of light is the fundamental speed limit in the universe.

Is anything faster than light? According to our current understanding of physics, nothing with mass can travel at or faster than the speed of light in a vacuum.

How long would it take to travel 1500 light years? The time it would take to travel 1500 light years depends on the speed of travel. If we assume the speed of light, it would take 1500 years.

What is the largest unit of distance? The largest commonly used unit of distance is the “astronomical unit” (AU), which is the average distance between Earth and the Sun.

How many light years are there in one perfect? It seems like there might be a typo in your question (“one perfect”). If you meant “parsec,” there are approximately 3.26 light years in one parsec.

What is the largest unit of length? In terms of commonly used units, the “parsec” (pc) is a large unit of length used in astronomy to describe interstellar distances.

What is the fastest thing in the universe? The fastest thing known to us is light, which travels at a speed of about 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum.

Does time stop at the speed of light? According to the theory of relativity, as an object with mass approaches the speed of light, its time dilation becomes more pronounced, effectively slowing down time from the perspective of an observer. However, time itself doesn’t “stop.”

How fast is light in a vacuum? Light travels at a speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 186,282 miles per second) in a vacuum.

What are the 3 things faster than light? As of our current understanding of physics, there are no known things that can travel faster than or at the speed of light in a vacuum. This is a fundamental concept in Einstein’s theory of relativity.

What limits the speed of light? According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, the speed of light is a fundamental constant and represents the maximum speed at which information or matter can travel through space.

Are black holes faster than light? Black holes do not move through space in the same way that physical objects do. Their immense gravity warps spacetime around them, and their effects on nearby matter can be powerful, but they don’t move through space at speeds that can be compared to the speed of light.

Will we ever leave our galaxy? As of now, leaving our galaxy is beyond our technological capabilities. The vast distances and challenges of space travel make intergalactic travel extremely challenging.

What is 1 light-year in human years? 1 light-year is a measure of distance, not time. It represents the distance that light travels in one year.

How long would it take to fly 1000 light years? The time it would take to travel 1000 light years would depend on the speed of travel. If we consider the speed of light, it would take 1000 years.

Why do astronomers use parsecs instead of light-years? Astronomers often use parsecs because they provide a more convenient unit for measuring astronomical distances, especially for objects that are very distant. The use of parsecs is based on the concept of parallax, which provides a natural yardstick for interstellar distances.

How long is a light-year in us? A light-year is a measure of distance, not time. It represents the distance that light travels in one year.

How many light years make 1 per second? The concept of “1 per second” doesn’t directly correspond to a unit of distance like light years. Light years are a measure of distance, while “1 per second” would be a rate or frequency.

How far can light travel in 1 second in space? Light can travel about 299,792,458 meters (approximately 186,282 miles) in one second in space.

How do you convert arcseconds to distance? To convert arcseconds to distance, you need to know the object’s distance and use trigonometry. The formula is: Distance = 1 / (Parallax angle in arcseconds).

How many arcseconds is the sun? The apparent size of the Sun from Earth is about 1,920 arcseconds.

How do you convert arcseconds to astronomical units? To convert arcseconds to astronomical units (AU), you would need to know the distance to the object and use trigonometry. The formula is: Distance (in AU) = 1 / (Parallax angle in arcseconds).

GEG Calculators is a comprehensive online platform that offers a wide range of calculators to cater to various needs. With over 300 calculators covering finance, health, science, mathematics, and more, GEG Calculators provides users with accurate and convenient tools for everyday calculations. The website’s user-friendly interface ensures easy navigation and accessibility, making it suitable for people from all walks of life. Whether it’s financial planning, health assessments, or educational purposes, GEG Calculators has a calculator to suit every requirement. With its reliable and up-to-date calculations, GEG Calculators has become a go-to resource for individuals, professionals, and students seeking quick and precise results for their calculations.

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Quick links, travel duration calculator.

Travelmath provides an online travel time calculator to help you figure out flight and driving times. You can compare the results to see the effect on the total duration of your trip. Usually, the flight time will be shorter, but if the destination is close, the driving time can still be reasonable.

Another popular tool is the time difference calculator, which can be used to check the time zone change anywhere in the world. This is especially useful if you're making international calls, since you can find the best time to schedule your phone call.

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There is one place in Michigan where you can see the total solar eclipse

Luna pier will experience total solar eclipse in april 2024.

Kayla Clarke , Senior Web Producer

MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – There is only one place in Michigan where people will be able to experience the total solar eclipse.

There is a sliver of Monroe County, the Luna Pier area, that lands in the path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse. The Moon will completely cover the Sun in that area for approximately 19 seconds on Monday, April 8, 2024.

According to NASA, the eclipse will begin at 1:57 p.m. Total coverage will begin at 3:13:05 p.m. and last until 3:13:24 p.m. The partial eclipse will end at 4:26 p.m.

Places in the path of totality will see the sky become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk. People who only experience a partial solar eclipse will see the sky appear slightly darker than it was before depending on their location.

This is the last solar eclipse visible in the Contiguous United States until 2044. The path of totality is where people will be able to see the Moon completely cover the Sun. It’s about 100 miles wide.

An interactive map put out by NASA lets people put in their zip code to see how much eclipse coverage to expect and what time the eclipse will be at its peak.

---> View: NASA’S Eclipse Explorer interactive map

Even at 99% coverage, there is still enough sunlight to hurt your eyes. So you’ll want to make sure you have eclipse glasses or another form of eye safety. NASA has more information on eye safety online.

Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Kayla clarke.

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.

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