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Megaparsec

A megaparsec (Mpc) is a unit of distance used in astronomy to measure vast stretches across the universe. One megaparsec equals one million parsecs, or about 3.26 million light-years (1 Mpc ≈ 3.086 × 10¹⁹ kilometers). This unit is commonly used when discussing the distances between galaxies, galaxy clusters, or large-scale structures of the universe. Because the universe is so massive, astronomers need units like megaparsecs to express distances that are too large for even light-years to handle efficiently. The megaparsec is essential in cosmology and is often used when describing the scale of the observable universe.

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.