The conversion of 1 parsec to kilometers equals approximately 3.086 × 10^13 km.
A parsec is a unit of distance used in astronomy to measure large cosmic scales, based on the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one arcsecond. When converting to km, it involves multiplying the parsec value by the length of one parsec in kilometers.
Conversion Result and Explanation
1 parsec equals about 30,857,000,000,000 km. This value is obtained by multiplying the parsec by the number of kilometers per parsec, which is derived from astronomical measurements of stellar parallax.
Conversion Tool
Result in km:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert parsecs to kilometers is: km = parsecs × 3.086 × 10^13. This works because one parsec is defined as approximately 3.086 × 10^13 km based on stellar parallax measurements. For example, if you have 2 parsecs, multiply 2 by 3.086 × 10^13 to get 6.172 × 10^13 km.
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 parsecs:
- Step 1: Write the formula: km = 5 × 3.086 × 10^13
- Step 2: Multiply 5 by 3.086 × 10^13
- Step 3: 5 × 3.086 × 10^13 = 15.43 × 10^13 km
- Convert 0.5 parsecs:
- Step 1: km = 0.5 × 3.086 × 10^13
- Step 2: 0.5 × 3.086 × 10^13 = 1.543 × 10^13 km
- Convert 10 parsecs:
- Step 1: km = 10 × 3.086 × 10^13
- Step 2: 10 × 3.086 × 10^13 = 30.86 × 10^13 km
Conversion Chart
| Parsecs | Distance in km |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -7.406 × 10^12 |
| -20.0 | -6.172 × 10^12 |
| -16.0 | -4.938 × 10^12 |
| -12.0 | -3.703 × 10^12 |
| -8.0 | -2.469 × 10^12 |
| -4.0 | -1.234 × 10^12 |
| 0 | 0 |
| 4.0 | 1.234 × 10^13 |
| 8.0 | 2.469 × 10^13 |
| 12.0 | 3.703 × 10^13 |
| 16.0 | 4.938 × 10^13 |
| 20.0 | 6.172 × 10^13 |
| 24.0 | 7.406 × 10^13 |
| 26.0 | 8.004 × 10^13 |
Use this chart to quickly find the distance in km for any parsec value within the range. Locate the parsec value in the first column, then read across to see the corresponding km value.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilometers are in 1 parsec compared to light-years?
- What is the distance in km for 0.1 parsec?
- How do I convert 2 parsecs into miles?
- What is the smallest parsec value I can convert to km?
- Is 1 parsec equivalent to any other astronomical distance units in km?
- How accurate is the 3.086 × 10^13 km per parsec estimate?
Conversion Definitions
Parsec
A parsec is a unit used in astronomy representing the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one arcsecond, roughly equal to 3.086 × 10^13 km, based on stellar parallax measurements.
Kilometer (km)
A kilometer is a metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters, used worldwide to measure terrestrial distances and, in astronomy, large cosmic distances when converted from units like parsecs.
Conversion FAQs
Why is a parsec used instead of light-years for distance measurement?
While both units measure large distances, parsecs are based on stellar parallax, making them convenient for astronomers calculating distances to stars. Light-years measure the distance that light travels in a year, which is more intuitive for some contexts.
Can I convert parsecs to km directly without a calculator?
Yes, by multiplying the number of parsecs by approximately 3.086 × 10^13, you can convert directly. For quick estimations, memorize the conversion factor or use a calculator for accuracy.
How precise is the conversion factor for parsec to km?
The value 3.086 × 10^13 km per parsec is based on precise astronomical measurements, but slight variations can occur due to measurement uncertainties in stellar parallax and cosmic distance calculations.