How long does it take for light from the Sun to reach Earth?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Reach for the Stars Test. Focus on flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Master your astronomy knowledge!

The time it takes for light from the Sun to travel to Earth is approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds. This duration is due to the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, which is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). Light travels at a speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second in a vacuum. By dividing the distance to the Sun by the speed of light, we arrive at the time it takes for sunlight to reach us.

Therefore, the correct answer reflects the precise calculation of this travel time, which is a key concept in understanding astronomical distances and the speed of light. Options that suggest longer or shorter times do not align with the established scientific understanding of these measurements. This knowledge is fundamental in fields like astronomy and physics, highlighting the vast distances in our solar system and how they affect our perception of celestial events.

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