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The Scale of Extremely Low Frequency and Astrophysical Waves

A gigametre (Gm) is equal to 1,000,000,000 metres (10⁹ m) and is used to describe extraordinarily long wavelengths found primarily in the extremely low frequency (ELF) band and in astrophysical phenomena. These wavelengths correspond to frequencies in the millihertz to microhertz range, far below typical human-made radio communications. Gigametre-scale wavelengths are associated with very slow oscillations in space plasmas, planetary magnetospheres, and cosmic radio waves.

For example, a frequency of 1 microhertz (10⁻⁶ Hz) corresponds to a wavelength of about 300 million kilometres (300 Gm), which is roughly twice the distance from the Earth to the Sun. Such enormous wavelengths are significant in studying solar-terrestrial interactions, long-period gravitational waves, and other phenomena in astrophysics and cosmology.

Although gigametre wavelengths are not practical for terrestrial communications, they help scientists understand the large-scale electromagnetic environment of the solar system and beyond. Using the gigametre unit allows researchers to quantify these immense scales and analyze signals and waves that influence planetary environments, space weather, and the interstellar medium.

A Key Scale in Radio and Microwave Technology

A centimetre (cm) is a unit of length equal to 10⁻² metres, and it is commonly used to express the wavelengths of radio and microwave radiation. Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths in the centimetre range typically fall within the radio frequency (RF) and microwave bands, covering frequencies from about 3 GHz to 30 GHz (for wavelengths between 10 cm and 1 cm). These waves are essential in a wide variety of applications, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microwave ovens, radar, and satellite communications.

For example, Wi-Fi signals often operate at 2.4 GHz, which corresponds to a wavelength of about 12.5 cm, and microwave ovens use 2.45 GHz, or around 12.2 cm. These wavelengths are long enough to penetrate walls and other obstacles, making them ideal for communication and sensing. Centimetre-scale wavelengths also allow for the use of reasonably sized antennas in consumer devices and radar systems.

Using centimetres as a unit for wavelength provides a practical scale for understanding and designing devices that use radio and microwave frequencies. It simplifies communication between scientists, engineers, and technicians working in telecommunications, aerospace, medical imaging, and remote sensing.