1.2 - Discovery Through Technology

Question 1

What is an Astronomical unit?

Answer 1

Used for measuring “local” distances within our solar system

Question 2

1 Au = __________________

Answer 2

The distance from Earth to the centre of the Sun.

149 599 000 km.

Question 3

What is a Lightyear used to measure?

Answer 3

Used to measure distances beyond our solar system, out to stars and galaxies.

Question 4

1 lightyear = ___________________

Answer 4

The distance that light travels in 1 year.

9.5 trillion km.

Question 5

Why is it that when you look into space, you are seeing objects as they were in the past?

Answer 5

When you are looking at objects in space, you are looking at objects in the past, because it takes time for light from the objects to reach Earth from space

Question 6

What are some examples of humans seeing objects from the past?

Answer 6

• Light from the Sun takes 8 minutes to reach Earth

- The Hubble Space Telescope views objects from 12 billion years ago