Interplanetary Travel

Note: In order to use this program you must be using a Browser which is JavaScript compatible. If you are using Netscape Navigator go can check using the menu at the top of the window. Click on 'Options', the 'Network Preferences' and select the 'Languages' folder. Make the sure that the JavaScript box is checked.

Here's the question. You are on a mission to another star in the Solar System. You know how far it is, and you know how fast you can go. The problem is, how long will it take you? Let's figure it out.

The distances to the planets varies according to their position in their orbits. At its closest Mars is about 0.52 AU away from the Earth, at its furthest 1.52 AU away. Pluto, the furthest planet from us, averages about 40 AU away.

1 AU = 93,000,000 miles.
Enter in your data for the disance and the speed. Remember though that you cannot travel faster than the speed of light (186450 miles per second or about 671,000,000 miles per hour). Then click in the third box and the time for the journey will be dislayed.

Enter the distance in AU.
Enter the speed in miles per hour

The time taken for your journey will be days.

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