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The Universe II
The light year is a unit of length used to express astronomical distances. It is about 9.5 trillion kilometers or 5.9 trillion miles. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) defines a light year as the distance that light travels in a vacuum in one Julian year (365.25 days). It is difficult to grasp the magnitude and expanse of our known universe. Understanding the concept of a light year helps us understand its hugeness.
Material
Day 1 – Introduction
- Student Work Packet – topic 47
Day 2 – Virtual Textbook
- Read Physical 47 – What is a Light Year
- Read Physical 47 – Age of Universe
- Read Physical 47 – Black Holes
Enrichment
- Write a letter 47 – The Universe II
Videos
insert
1:13 What Is A Light-Year?
1:46 Light year & Milky Way – NASA Video
2:31 How many years are in a light year?
Debate
Understanding the Vastness of Space
- 1. Resolved: The concept of a light year is the most effective way to comprehend the vastness of the universe.
- 2. Debate: Should the definition of a light year be updated to account for more precise measurements of the speed of light?
Instructor Resources
Standard Daily Material
- Day 1 – Standard material – introduction day
- Day 2 – Standard material – reading day
- Day 3 – Standard material – make a presentation
- Day 4 – Standard material – give a presentation
- Extra! – Enrichment and remediation options
Other Topic Specific Resources1
Special Notes and Notices
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