Since this is a calculation question you are welcome to answer on the Math Worksheet.

Background: Distances to stars are usually measured in light years, but it's hard to grasp just how far a light year is. However, if we calculate how long it would take to travel to a few stars it will help us appreciate what distances in light years imply.

a. Predict and Explain: InYour Personal Constellation the distance to three of the stars is listed in light years. Predict whichof these stars it would take the longest to travel to, and explainwhy. (Note: Part a is strictly qualitative: you do not need to calculate a time here.)

b. Calculate:Calculate the time it would take for a very fast rocket (traveling at 45 km/s) to reach the threestars whose distances are listed in your table. Give your answers in both seconds and in years.

Hint: Use the distance, time, velocity formula d = vt, which means t = d/v.

c. Compare:Does your answer to b make sense and agree with your answer to a? If not, explain what went wrong. Was there a mistake in the calculation or in your prediction? How can you tell?

Math Worksheet.

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Math worksheet e Your MSS # or Constellation Question number: - What you are trying to find: I I Prediction: Look up any other numbers you will need: Equation: (Is the term you want alone on the left? If not, solve for that term.): Units (mass, distance time): Do the units match? Will your answer have the units required?