The speed of light, approximately 299,792 kilometers per second, is a fundamental constant of nature that shapes our understanding of space and time. It plays a crucial role in Einstein’s theory of relativity, which posits that the speed of light is the maximum speed at which information or matter can travel.
Light’s finite speed means that when we observe distant stars and galaxies, we are seeing them as they were millions or even billions of years ago. This phenomenon allows astronomers to look back in time and study the early universe, providing valuable insights into its formation and evolution.