University:
University of Toronto
Course:
AST201 | Exploring the Universe
Academic year:

2023
Views:

488

Pages:

4
Author:

Arlene R.

Homework Assignment 1 1. The equation of length contraction is The distance from Earth to Sirius as measured from Earth is 8.6 lightyears. If you traveled from Earth to Sirius at a speed of 0.95c, how far would you measure the distance from Earth to Sirius to be? Page 1 of 4 2. Assume you can live for 100 years, and that you spend the whole time on a spaceship travelling at a constant speed of 0.99c in one direction away from Earth. How far away would you be at the end of your lifetime, according to an observer on Earth? Page 2 of 4 3. The Sun produces energy by fusing hydrogen into helium, thus converting a tiny bit of mass into energy. A total of 2 x 10^29 kg of hydrogen is converted to helium during the sun’s lifetime. The Sun fuses hydrogen to helium at a rate of 600 billion kg per second (6 x 10^11 kg/s). Calculate how long the Sun’s supply of hydrogen can last. Give your answer in years, rounding to one significant figure. Page 3 of 4 4. Go to the following https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-cycle-progression and look at the plots of sunspot number over time. The scroll bar at the bottom of the plot will allow you to extend the period of time over which you can see the data. Use this data to answer the following question: Which of the following best describes where we are in the solar cycle as of Dec 2022? Make sure to explain your answer and reference the plot. A. At solar minimum B. At solar maximum C. Approaching solar minimum D. Just coming out of solar maximum E. Halfway between solar minimum and solar maximum Page 4 of 4

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