2010 AMC 8 Problem 8

As Emily is riding her bicycle on a long straight road, she spots Emerson skating in the same direction 1/2 mile in front of her. After she passes him, she can see him in her rear mirror until he is 1/2 mile behind her. Emily rides at a constant rate of 12 miles per hour, and Emerson skates at a constant rate of 8 miles per hour. For how many minutes can Emily see Emerson?

\textbf{(A)}\ 6 \qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 8\qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 12\qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 15\qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 16

Full credit goes to MAA for authoring these problems. These problems were taken on the AOPS website.