Convert a.u. of length to chain Online | Free Length Converter

Astronomical Unit (a.u.) of Length

The astronomical unit (a.u.) is a unit of length used primarily in astronomy to describe distances within our solar system. It is defined as the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.

Key facts:

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  1 astronomical unit ≈ 149,597,870.7 kilometers (about 93 million miles)

  
  
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  Used to measure distances between planets and other objects in the solar system

  
  
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  Provides a convenient scale for expressing space distances that are too large for kilometers but too small for light-years

  
  

The astronomical unit helps astronomers communicate and calculate orbits, planetary positions, and space missions with clarity and precision.

Chain

A chain is a unit of length traditionally used in land surveying. The most common version is the Gunter’s chain, which equals 66 feet or 22 yards, approximately 20.1168 meters.

The chain was introduced by English clergyman Edmund Gunter in the 17th century to simplify land measurement. One chain consists of 100 links, each 0.66 feet long. It became a standard unit in British and American land surveying and was instrumental in defining land areas, especially in the U.S. Public Land Survey System.

Key Conversions:

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  1 chain = 66 feet

  
  
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  1 chain = 22 yards

  
  
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  1 chain ≈ 20.1168 meters

  
  
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  10 chains = 1 furlong

  
  
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  80 chains = 1 mile

  
  

Though now largely replaced by metric units and modern surveying tools, the chain still appears in older land deeds, maps, and rural property descriptions.