How many years does it take the Sun to complete one orbit around the Milky Way? Note that the Sun is traveling at approximately 220 km/s and is 8 kpc from the center of the Milky Way.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time it takes for the sun to orbit around the Milky Way is determined by its distance from the center and its speed. Using the formula Period = 2πr/v, where r is the distance from the center (8 kpc = 8,000 pc = 26,200 light-years) and v is the speed (220 km/s), we can calculate:

Period = 2π(26,200 light-years)/(220 km/s)/1 year per 3.26 light-years
Period = about 230 million years

Therefore, the correct choice is D.

How Many Years Does It Take the Sun to Complete