The Speed of Light: Exploring the Universal Constant
299,792,458 meters per second. Why is this specific number so important to our understanding of the universe?
The speed of light in a vacuum, commonly denoted as 'c', is exactly 299,792,458 meters per second. It's not just a speed; it's a cosmic speed limit and a fundamental constant of nature.
Defining the Meter
Did you know the definition of the meter is actually based on the speed of light? Since 1983, one meter is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.
Time Travel?
According to Einstein's theory of relativity, as you approach the speed of light, time slows down relative to an observer. This phenomenon, known as time dilation, has been proven by atomic clocks on satellites.
Contributing writer at MetricConv, covering measurement science, unit history, and practical conversion guides.