[kjam22]

Despite the fact that this light took 12 billion years to reach us, the originating galaxy was probably only 4 or 5 billion light years away when it was emitted.

You've just redefined the meaning of a "light year".

[Arthalion]

You've just redefined the meaning of a "light year".

I didn't redefine anything...it's those pesky astrophysicists who made the math so complex :-) It's pretty easy to visualize and demonstrate the concept with a balloon, ruler, pen, watch, and a friend. Take a balloon and blow it up about 1/3 of the way. Now place 2 dots on opposite sides of the balloon and begin drawing a line between the dots at the rate of one inch per minute. While you're drawing the line, have your friend continue inflating the balloon, but do not accellerate your line drawing speed. You have now simulated the effects of cosmic expansion and its effects on light. Your balloon is the universe, your dots stars, and your line represents the photons travelling at the constant speed of light. When you started, your points were no more than 6 "line minutes" apart, but by the time the "line" from one reaches the other it may stretch over 12 "line minutes".

Got it?

[Dataman]

You've just redefined the meaning of a "light year".

This whole thread is messing with it. For consistent measurement of a light year, please use this device: