What is a light year?

Sometimes when students (and sometimes faculty) are reading, they stop when they come to a number or equation. Large numbers are difficult concepts for many. (Note that Einstein slowed down his reading of even a paragraph in order to understand it. So we have good company if we need to take our time to understand what we read.)

The film linked below, from the BBC, explains light years well and may help readability for astronomy and physics. I t helps build understanding of large numbers, thus increases science literacy. In my opinion, it is also enjoyable.

Here we go---What is a light year? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8493707.stm

Dr. J