Distances are typically documented using specific measurement terms like inches, feet, and even miles. But when someone asks you how far it is to the mall, you’ll usually respond with a measurement of time instead of an exact number of miles…

So in its latest video, Minute Physics explains why we often refer to distances as measurements of time, why scientists will refer to huge distances in space as light seconds, light minutes, or even light years, and why it’s a terrible idea to take a whale from L.A. to Sydney unless you’ve got a lot of time on your hands. [YouTube]