Chapter 33, Problem 2TC

To determine

The increasing order of distance from the Sun of Proxima centauri, Supernova 1987A, and the center of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Answer to Problem 2TC

The increasing order of distance from the Sun is Proxima centauri < the center of the Milky Way Galaxy < Supernova $1987\text{A}$.

Explanation of Solution

Proxima Centauri is the known closest star from the sun. The approximate distance between the sun and the Proxima Centauri is $4.243\text{ light-years}$.

The Sun is one of the star among the hundred billion or so stars in the Milky Way galaxy. The center of the Milky Way galaxy lies in the constellation Sagittarius. The approximate distance between the Sun and the center of the Milky Way galaxy is $27,000\text{ light-years}$.

Supernova $1987\text{A}$ is the closest supernova encountered by humankind. The approximate distance between supernova $1987\text{A}$ and the Sun is $168,000\text{ light-years}$.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the increasing order of distance from the Sun is Proxima centauri < the center of the Milky Way Galaxy < Supernova $1987\text{A}$.