A parallax of 1 arc second is subtended by an object at a distance of 1 parsec. How many astronomical units (AU) make up 1 parsec?

Model Answer & Options

Source: Extra Practice

2.06 × 10⁵ AU

1.496 × 10¹¹ AU

3.08 × 10¹⁶ AU

1.5 × 10⁸ AU

Explanation

1 parsec is defined as the distance at which an arc of 1 AU length subtends an angle of 1 arc second. θ = l / r => 1" = 1 AU / 1 parsec. Since 1" = (1/3600) * (π/180) radians, 1 parsec = 1 AU / radians value ≈ 206265 AU. 3.08 × 10¹⁶ is the value in meters, not AU. 1.496 × 10¹¹ is the value of 1 AU in meters.

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