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

Switch units
   

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.



Parsec


A parsec (pc) is a unit of distance used in astronomy, equal to about 3.26 light-years or roughly 31 trillion kilometers. The name “parsec” comes from “parallax of one arcsecond,” referring to the method astronomers use to measure distances to nearby stars based on their apparent shift when viewed from different positions in Earth’s orbit. Parsecs are commonly used to measure distances to stars and galaxies. For example, the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, is about 1.3 parsecs away. The symbol for parsec is "pc". It’s a convenient unit for expressing large astronomical distances beyond the reach of light-years.



No conversions available for length.

Convert a.u. of length to Other Length Units