Astronomical Unit is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
The astronomical unit began as the mean Earth–Sun distance used to scale the solar system. In 2012 the International Astronomical Union fixed it at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters.
Measurement system: Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage. SI equivalent: 1 AU = 1.495979e+11 m.
Astronomical Unit facts
- Unit name
- Astronomical Unit
- Symbol
- AU
- Category
- Length
- Measurement system
- Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
- SI equivalent
- 1 AU = 1.495979e+11 m
- Common uses
- Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement
Definition of the astronomical unit
Astronomical Unit is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
Measurement system and SI relationship
Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
SI equivalent: 1 AU = 1.495979e+11 m
History of the astronomical unit
The astronomical unit began as the mean Earth–Sun distance used to scale the solar system. In 2012 the International Astronomical Union fixed it at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters.
Where is the astronomical unit used?
Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement