Question

In units of light-years, what is the approximate diameter of our solar system, including the outer reaches of the oort cloud? (assume that 1 light-year equals 63,000

Answer 1

1 light-year corresponds approximately to 63000 AU (astronomical units).

The outer reaches of the Oort cloud are located approximately at a distance of 200 000 AU from the Sun: this means that the diameter of the Solar system is 400 000 AU. By setting a simple proportion, we can find the diameter of the Solar system in light-years (Ly):

`1 Ly : 63000 AU = x : 400000 AU`

`x= (1 Ly \cdot 400000 AU)/(63000 AU)=6.35 Ly`

So, an approximate estimate of the diameter of the Solar system is 6.35 light-years.