What is a light year?

orald · Post by **orald** » 16 Apr 2008 12:50

Wikipedia wrote:The Furlong/Firkin/Fortnight (FFF) system is a set of units that uses impractical and outdated measurements.

Wait, isn't that the same defenition as Imperial?

Fantômas · Post by **Fantômas** » 16 Apr 2008 13:02

orald wrote:Furlong, firkin, fortnight.

Wikipedia wrote:The Furlong/Firkin/Fortnight (FFF) system is a set of units that uses impractical and outdated measurements.
Wait, isn't that the same defenition as Imperial?

Are you sure you don't it smokee no more?

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » 16 Apr 2008 13:44

The Sons of Idaho wrote:And damn right Han shot first!

Did you ever see director Zack Snyder wearing the "Han Shot First" t-shirt? He's such a geek, you just can't help but laugh

The Sons of Idaho · Post by **The Sons of Idaho** » 16 Apr 2008 15:10

Can't say I have... but wasn't someone in Clerks 2 or some other Kevin Smith movie wearing that shirt? At least I think it was Randall...

Post by **Freakzilla** » 16 Apr 2008 17:52

I thought that wasn't a half bad explaination.

SandChigger · Post by **SandChigger** » 16 Apr 2008 18:12

As rationalizations go, it's not bad.

Certainly beats some bullshit about "but his naming ceremony was on Caladan!"

Here's a different twist on the OPQ:

What is a light year?

One in which Kevin puts out only one or two books!

(Or maybe that should just be "puts out", period? Let's mail Rebecca and ask!

)

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » 16 Apr 2008 18:33

SandChigger wrote:What is a light year?

One in which Kevin puts out only one or two books!

(Or maybe that should just be "puts out", period? Let's mail Rebecca and ask! )

Brilliant

Comedy gold.

A Thing of Eternity · Post by **A Thing of Eternity** » 16 Apr 2008 18:51

Freakzilla wrote:I thought that wasn't a half bad explaination.

It was a brilliant cover. But I don't think Mr Lucas had that it/anything in mind!

orald · Post by **orald** » 16 Apr 2008 19:11

Sure he did! Like he had all the 6 movies in mind all the time and FH had Omnibus and Erroneous in mind.

Phaedrus · Post by **Phaedrus** » 17 Apr 2008 13:17

orald wrote:Ah, anglo-sucksons* and their stupid measurement units.
When o' when will they advance to better, more natural ways of measuring?

Actually, all methods of measurement are equally natural, as all are artificial constructs.

Since scientists use SI, I don't see why it matters whether the common people use miles, kilometers, cubits, light years, furlongs, leagues, or any other measure. It's not like it matters as long as people are understood.

As for the original post, yeah, a light year is technically the distance light travels in a year in a vacuum. That thing about the vacuum is a fun assumption, though. In reality, space stretches, there's gravity, and a whole multitude of other issues, so the actual distance light travels in a year may or may not be a light year. It's so fun and confusing that it'll make your brain hurt if you think about it too much.

orald · Post by **orald** » 17 Apr 2008 13:22

And of course, there's no vaccum in space. Not a perfect one at least.

Not to mention gas clouds etc.

Phaedrus · Post by **Phaedrus** » 17 Apr 2008 13:27

Omphalos wrote:Should I start a new thread titled "What the fuck is a kilometer?"

A kilometer is roughly equal to 1000 meters. Some people also call the kilometer a "klick."

Come on, guys. Rule 5. Speak English!

Que?