When a solar flare occurs, how long does it take before a scientist sees it? (The Earth-Sun distance is and the speed of light is approximately .
A)8 microseconds
B)8 milliseconds
C)8 seconds
D)8 minutes

Question

When a solar flare occurs, how long does it take before a scientist sees it? (The Earth-Sun distance is  and the speed of light is approximately  .
A)8 microseconds 
B)8 milliseconds 
C)8 seconds 
D)8 minutes

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 93 million miles, which translates to about 8 light minutes. Therefore, it would take 8 minutes for a solar flare to be detected by a scientist on Earth. Choice D is the only option that matches this time frame. Options A (microseconds), B (milliseconds), and C (seconds) are much too short for the signal to travel such a great distance.

When a Solar Flare Occurs, How Long Does It Take