Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?

Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?
  1. Distances among stellar bodies do not change.
  2. Gravity of stellar bodies does not change.
  3. Light always travels in straight line.
  4. Speed of light is always same.

Solution

A light-year is the distance light travels in vacuum in one year. Since the speed of light in vacuum is a universal constant (approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s), it provides a reliable yardstick for measuring vast astronomical distances.

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2021

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