Question 1

What is a parsec in AU?

Accepted Answer

1 parsec = 206,265 AU. A parsec is the distance at which 1 AU subtends an angle of 1 arcsecond. Nearest star is 1.3 pc.

Question 2

How is a parsec related to parallax?

Accepted Answer

Parsec comes from "parallax arcsecond." A star at 1 pc shows 1 arcsecond parallax as Earth orbits. Closer stars show more parallax.

Question 3

Is this conversion factor exact?

Accepted Answer

Metric-to-metric conversions are exact (1 km = 1000 m). Imperial-to-metric factors like 1 inch = 2.54 cm are exact by international agreement.

Question 4

Why do some countries use different units?

Accepted Answer

Historical reasons - the metric system spread from France after 1795. The US, UK, and a few others retained older systems. Science uses metric worldwide.

Parsecs to Au Distance Converter - Free Online Tool

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