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:
1 astronomical unit ≈ 149,597,870.7 kilometers (about 93 million miles)
Used to measure distances between planets and other objects in the solar system
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.
Gigameter
A gigameter (Gm) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to 1 billion meters (1 Gm = 10⁹ meters). Gigameters are used to measure very large distances, often within the solar system. For example, the average distance from Earth to the Sun is about 150 gigameters, or 1 astronomical unit (AU). While not commonly used in everyday life, gigameters are helpful in astronomy and space science to describe distances between planets or other celestial bodies.
No conversions available for length.