The distance of 1 parsec equals approximately 3.086 × 10^13 kilometers.
A parsec is a unit used in astronomy to measure vast distances between objects outside our solar system. It is based on the apparent shift of nearby stars against distant background stars when observed from different positions in Earth’s orbit, making it a practical way to express cosmic scales.
Conversion Result
1 parsec is equal to about 30,856,775,814 km.
Conversion Tool
Result in km:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert parsecs to kilometers is simple: multiply the number of parsecs by 3.086 × 10^13, which is the number of kilometers in one parsec. This works because the parsec is defined based on the distance light travels in a specific time, relating to Earth’s orbit and star positions.
For example, if you want to convert 2 parsecs, you calculate 2 × 3.086e13, resulting in 6.172e13 km. This step-by-step process ensures precise conversion from this astronomical unit to the metric system.
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 parsecs:
- Multiply 5 by 3.086e13
- Result: 1.543e14 km
- Convert 0.5 parsecs:
- Multiply 0.5 by 3.086e13
- Result: 1.543e13 km
- Convert 10 parsecs:
- Multiply 10 by 3.086e13
- Result: 3.086e14 km
- Convert 0.1 parsecs:
- Multiply 0.1 by 3.086e13
- Result: 3.086e12 km
- Convert 1.5 parsecs:
- Multiply 1.5 by 3.086e13
- Result: 4.629e13 km
Conversion Chart
| Parsecs | Kilometers |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -7.406e13 |
| -22.0 | -6.789e13 |
| -20.0 | -6.172e13 |
| -18.0 | -5.554e13 |
| -16.0 | -4.937e13 |
| -14.0 | -4.319e13 |
| -12.0 | -3.702e13 |
| -10.0 | -3.084e13 |
| -8.0 | -2.467e13 |
| -6.0 | -1.849e13 |
| -4.0 | -1.232e13 |
| -2.0 | -6.145e12 |
| 0.0 | 0 |
| 2.0 | 6.172e12 |
| 4.0 | 1.234e13 |
| 6.0 | 1.851e13 |
| 8.0 | 2.468e13 |
| 10.0 | 3.085e13 |
| 12.0 | 3.702e13 |
| 14.0 | 4.319e13 |
| 16.0 | 4.936e13 |
| 18.0 | 5.553e13 |
| 20.0 | 6.170e13 |
| 22.0 | 6.787e13 |
| 24.0 | 7.404e13 |
This chart helps visualize how parsec values translate into kilometers, aiding quick reference especially for large or negative distances.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilometers are in 1 parsec compared to other units?
- What is the distance in km for 2 parsecs?
- How do I convert 0.5 parsecs into km?
- What is the equivalent of 10 parsecs in kilometers?
- Can I convert fractional parsecs to km easily?
- What is the distance in km for a star 1 parsec away?
- How does parsec compare to light-years in km?
Conversion Definitions
Parsec
A parsec is a measurement of astronomical distance based on the apparent shift of a star against distant background objects when observed from different points in Earth’s orbit, approximately 3.086 × 10^13 kilometers, used for expressing interstellar scales.
Km
Kilometer (km) is a metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters. It is commonly used to measure distances on Earth and in space, providing a standard for expressing lengths in the metric system across various scientific and everyday contexts.
Conversion FAQs
Why is the parsec defined based on star parallax?
The parsec’s definition is rooted in the parallax method, which measures the apparent shift of a star against background stars when observed from different points in Earth’s orbit, directly linking the unit to observable astronomical phenomena.
How precise is the km value for a parsec?
The value 3.086 × 10^13 km is an approximation based on current astronomical measurements. Slight variations in measurements of stellar parallax or fundamental constants can cause minor differences, but it remains a standard conversion factor.
Can I convert parsecs to light-years using this formula?
Yes, multiplying parsecs by approximately 3.262 gives the distance in light-years, as one parsec is about 3.262 light-years. This conversion helps relate different cosmic measurement systems for distances.