X-ray flares around the core of the Galaxy flare dramatically in about 10 minutes;that shows that the flare's source can be no larger than
A) 10 light-minutes.
B) 10 parsecs.
C) 10 light-years.
D) 10 AU.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The duration of the X-ray flares (about 10 minutes) indicates the maximum size of the source, based on the speed of light. If the flares last for 10 minutes, the source cannot be larger than the distance light travels in 10 minutes, which is defined as 10 light-minutes. This is because any changes or events that occur within the source must be communicated across it at the speed of light, setting a natural limit on the size of the source based on the duration of the observed phenomenon.

X-Ray Flares Around the Core of the Galaxy Flare Dramatically