0.1 arcsecond is approximately 4.84814 × 10-7 parsec.
To convert 0.1 arcsecond into parsecs, we use the fact that 1 arcsecond equals 4.84814 × 10-6 radians. Since 1 parsec corresponds to an angle of 1 arcsecond at a distance of 1 parsec, the conversion involves dividing the arcsecond value by 206265 (the number of arcseconds in a radian). Thus, 0.1 arcsecond equals 0.1 / 206265 parsecs, which simplifies to approximately 4.84814 × 10-7 parsec.
Conversion Tool
Result in parsec:
Conversion Formula
The conversion from arcsecond to parsec relies on the relationship between angular measurements and distance. Since 1 arcsecond equals 1/206265 radians, dividing the number of arcseconds by 206265 gives the distance in parsecs. This works because parsecs are defined based on the angle subtended by one astronomical unit at that distance.
For example, converting 0.1 arcsecond: 0.1 / 206265 = approximately 4.84814 × 10-7 parsec. This method calculates how small an angular measurement corresponds to a physical distance, assuming the standard definition of the parsec.
Conversion Example
- Convert 1 arcsecond:
- Divide 1 by 206265:
- 1 / 206265 = 4.84814 × 10-6 parsec
- Convert 0.5 arcsecond:
- Divide 0.5 by 206265:
- 0.5 / 206265 = 2.42407 × 10-6 parsec
- Convert 2 arcseconds:
- Divide 2 by 206265:
- 2 / 206265 = 9.69628 × 10-6 parsec
- Convert 0.01 arcsecond:
- Divide 0.01 by 206265:
- 0.01 / 206265 = 4.84814 × 10-8 parsec
- Convert 5 arcseconds:
- Divide 5 by 206265:
- 5 / 206265 = 2.42407 × 10-5 parsec
Conversion Chart
| Arcsecond | Parsec |
|---|---|
| -24.9 | -1.21097 × 10-4 |
| -20 | -9.69848 × 10-5 |
| -15 | -7.27236 × 10-5 |
| -10 | -4.84814 × 10-5 |
| -5 | -2.42407 × 10-5 |
| 0 | 0 |
| 5 | 2.42407 × 10-5 |
| 10 | 4.84814 × 10-5 |
| 15 | 7.27236 × 10-5 |
| 20 | 9.69628 × 10-5 |
| 25.1 | 1.21766 × 10-4 |
This chart shows the relationship between arcseconds and parsecs for values in a range. To read it, find the arcsecond value and see the corresponding parsec value, useful for quick reference during measurements or calculations.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many parsecs are there in 0.1 arcsecond at a distance of 10 parsecs?
- What is the physical distance in light-years for 0.1 arcsecond?
- How do I convert a star’s angular size of 0.1 arcsecond into parsecs?
- What is the equivalent of 0.1 arcsecond in astronomical units?
- Can I measure 0.1 arcsecond in the sky with a standard telescope and convert it to parsecs?
- How does the conversion change if the angle is negative, like -0.1 arcsecond?
- What is the significance of 0.1 arcsecond when observing distant galaxies in parsecs?
Conversion Definitions
Arcsecond
An arcsecond is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/3600 of a degree, used in astronomy to specify small angles between celestial objects, helping to quantify their apparent size or separation from Earth’s perspective.
Parsec
A parsec is a distance measurement in astronomy equivalent to about 3.086 × 1016 meters, defined as the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of exactly one arcsecond, used to measure large cosmic distances.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 206265 used in the conversion from arcsecond to parsec?
This number represents the number of arcseconds in a radian, derived from the fact that there are 2π radians in a circle and 360 degrees, with each degree divided into 3600 arcseconds. It standardizes angular measurements in astronomical calculations.
Can I convert any angular measurement in arcseconds to parsecs using this formula?
Yes, as long as the angle is measured in arcseconds, dividing that value by 206265 will give you the corresponding distance in parsecs, assuming the angle is small and the measurement refers to the angle subtended by an object at one parsec.
What happens if I input a negative value in the conversion tool?
The tool will perform the division normally, resulting in a negative parsec value, which doesn’t have physical meaning in distance terms. Negative angles can indicate direction or position relative to a reference point, but distances remain positive.
Is the parsec still used in modern astronomy?
While the parsec remains a standard unit in astronomy, many astronomers now prefer light-years or other units for practical purposes. However, parsecs are still common in catalogues and for large-scale distance measurements.