A supernova remnant is expanding in radius at the rate of 0.5 seconds of arc per year.Doppler shifts show that the velocity of expansion is 5700 km/sec.How far away is the supernova remnant?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance to the supernova remnant can be calculated using the small angle formula: distance = velocity / angular rate. Converting 0.5 arcseconds per year to radians per year and using the velocity of 5700 km/s, the distance is approximately 2400 parsecs.

A Supernova Remnant Is Expanding in Radius at the Rate