2. The “space” between objects in space is so large that normal units of measurement don’t work; for example the sun is 93,000,000,000,000 miles away from the earth, Thus scientists created a unit based on this distance which we call an astronomical unit(AU). This unit is useful when measuring distances within our own solar system.

4.  The Solar system as a whole has a measurement of roughly 150,000 A.U.

5.  While the A.U. may seem huge in terms of the universe this is a small distance.  The distances between individual stars and galaxies is much too large in to use A.U. ‘s  Thus another unit was created:

6.  This unit is based on the one true constant we have discovered in the universe:  THE SPEED OF LIGHT!!!!!!  Light travels at a speed of 300,000,000 m/s  Using this value scientists have calculated the distance light travels in a given year and use this a the astronomical unit of measurement known as a light year.

7.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BjHvwSvp Ow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BjHvwSvp Ow