From a measurement of the wavelength (or its reciprocal, frequency) of light, we may determine the chemical element that created that emission, as well as the energy needed for it.
We may also determine whether the object is moving towards us or away. Examples would be the apparent recession of the expanding universe; and more homely, your speed as measured by the police radar machine.
If your question concerned the units in which the wavelength of light is usually measured, the nanometre (10-9m). We can see over about 1/2 an octave of frequencies - about 400nm to about 700nm. Beyond this at one end is infrared wavelengths, and at the short wavelength end we have the ultraviolet wavelengths.
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The measurement of light wavelength is typically expressed in nanometers (nm) or micrometers (μm). These units represent the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a light wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
No. A light-year is a measurement. A light year is a distance measurement based on how far light travels in a year.
You cannot 'measure' light. However, there is the light-year, a measurement of the distance light can travel in one year. there are many. Lumens, cadlepower, foot candles and candelas. There are probably a few more.
Yes, in the same way the 2011 Colts can be thought of as a great football team, i.e. incorrectly. Light years are a measurement of distance.
"light-year"
lumen