Misc: It takes 8.5 minutes for light to get from the ____ to earth?

Questions

What was the name of the secret empire?

What was the name of the space shuttle that exploded in mid air shortly after takeoff?

What was the name of the synagogue ruler whose daughter Jesus raised?

What was the name of the union jack that was used to capture Blackbeard off Ocracoke Island in 1718?

What was the name of the Webwoman's sidekick?