Second Converter
Convert Second to Hour Sidereal and more • 33 conversions
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Unit Explanations
Second of Arc"
Source UnitA second of arc, also known as an arcsecond, is a unit of angular measurement that is equal to 1/3600 of a degree or 1/60 of an arcminute. It is used primarily in fields that require precise angular measurement, such as astronomy, navigation, and mapping. An arcsecond is a small unit, reflecting the requirement for high precision in measurements of celestial objects and angles on the Earth's surface. The notation for a second of arc is usually represented by a double prime symbol ("), following the degree and arcminute symbols.
Current Use
Today, the second of arc is indispensable in astronomy for measuring the positions and movements of celestial objects with high precision. It is also used in geodesy and cartography to define the precise angular relationships between points on the Earth. Additionally, arcseconds are employed in the calibration of telescopes and other optical instruments where small angular measurements are critical.
Fun Fact
An arcsecond is roughly the angle subtended by a U.S. dime at a distance of 2.4 miles.
Sidereal Hourh_s
Target UnitA sidereal hour is defined as 1/24th of a sidereal day, which is approximately 59 minutes and 8.5 seconds in standard time. This measurement is based on the Earth's rotation relative to fixed stars rather than the Sun, making it crucial for astronomical observations. The sidereal hour is approximately 60.4 minutes long, differing from the standard hour of 60 minutes because of the Earth's orbital motion around the Sun. It represents a unit of time that is important for celestial navigation and astronomy, allowing for precise tracking of celestial objects.
Current Use
Today, the sidereal hour is primarily used in astronomy and astrophysics for tracking the positions of celestial objects. Astronomers employ sidereal hours to calculate the time required for stars to return to the same position in the sky, which is essential for celestial navigation and telescope alignment. It is also used in various software and tools that assist in stargazing and astronomical research.
Fun Fact
A sidereal day is about 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds long, making it approximately 4 minutes shorter than a solar day.
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= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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Second of Arc
angle • Non-SI
Definition
A second of arc, also known as an arcsecond, is a unit of angular measurement that is equal to 1/3600 of a degree or 1/60 of an arcminute. It is used primarily in fields that require precise angular measurement, such as astronomy, navigation, and mapping. An arcsecond is a small unit, reflecting the requirement for high precision in measurements of celestial objects and angles on the Earth's surface. The notation for a second of arc is usually represented by a double prime symbol ("), following the degree and arcminute symbols.
History & Origin
The concept of dividing a circle into degrees and further into minutes and seconds dates back to ancient Babylonian astronomers, who used a sexagesimal (base-60) number system. The division of a degree into 60 parts, known as minutes, and each minute into 60 parts, known as seconds, allowed for more precise measurement and calculation of angles in the study of celestial bodies. This system became widespread with the work of Greek and later Islamic scholars, who advanced astronomical knowledge and navigation.
Etymology: The term 'second' in this context comes from the Latin 'secunda', meaning 'second division' or 'second order', referring to its place in the hierarchical division of degrees.
Current Use
Today, the second of arc is indispensable in astronomy for measuring the positions and movements of celestial objects with high precision. It is also used in geodesy and cartography to define the precise angular relationships between points on the Earth. Additionally, arcseconds are employed in the calibration of telescopes and other optical instruments where small angular measurements are critical.
💡 Fun Facts
- •An arcsecond is roughly the angle subtended by a U.S. dime at a distance of 2.4 miles.
- •The Hubble Space Telescope can resolve images with an angular resolution of about 0.05 arcseconds.
- •In one parsec, which is a unit of astronomical distance, a star would have a parallax angle of one arcsecond.
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Sidereal Hour
time • Non-SI
Definition
A sidereal hour is defined as 1/24th of a sidereal day, which is approximately 59 minutes and 8.5 seconds in standard time. This measurement is based on the Earth's rotation relative to fixed stars rather than the Sun, making it crucial for astronomical observations. The sidereal hour is approximately 60.4 minutes long, differing from the standard hour of 60 minutes because of the Earth's orbital motion around the Sun. It represents a unit of time that is important for celestial navigation and astronomy, allowing for precise tracking of celestial objects.
History & Origin
The concept of a sidereal hour dates back to early astronomy when ancient civilizations observed the stars and their movements. The term 'sidereal' originates from the Latin word 'sidus', meaning 'star'. The need to measure time based on the stars arose from the desire to predict celestial events and navigate using the stars as reference points.
Etymology: The word 'sidereal' comes from the Latin 'sidereus', which translates to 'of the stars'. This reflects the fundamental connection between the unit and celestial phenomena, emphasizing its importance in astronomical contexts.
Current Use
Today, the sidereal hour is primarily used in astronomy and astrophysics for tracking the positions of celestial objects. Astronomers employ sidereal hours to calculate the time required for stars to return to the same position in the sky, which is essential for celestial navigation and telescope alignment. It is also used in various software and tools that assist in stargazing and astronomical research.
💡 Fun Facts
- •A sidereal day is about 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds long, making it approximately 4 minutes shorter than a solar day.
- •The difference between a sidereal hour and a solar hour is due to the Earth's orbit around the Sun, affecting how we perceive time.
- •Sidereal time is critical for determining the positions of celestial objects, especially when planning space missions.
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🔗 Related Units
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