Second Converter
Convert Second to Second 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.
Second Sidereals_s
Target UnitThe second sidereal is a time unit that represents the duration it takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation relative to the fixed stars, which is approximately 1/86,164.1 of a sidereal day. This time measurement is crucial in astronomy and navigation, as it accounts for the precession of the equinoxes and provides precise timing for celestial events. Unlike the solar second, which is based on the Earth's rotation relative to the Sun, the sidereal second offers a more consistent basis for astronomical observations.
Current Use
The second sidereal is predominantly used in astronomy, particularly in tracking celestial objects and calculating their movements. It is essential for astrological calculations, satellite positioning, and space exploration. Its precision allows astronomers to predict celestial events with high accuracy, thus playing a critical role in modern celestial navigation and astrophysics.
Fun Fact
The sidereal day is about 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds long, differing from the solar day by about 4 minutes.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 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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Second Sidereal
time • Non-SI
Definition
The second sidereal is a time unit that represents the duration it takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation relative to the fixed stars, which is approximately 1/86,164.1 of a sidereal day. This time measurement is crucial in astronomy and navigation, as it accounts for the precession of the equinoxes and provides precise timing for celestial events. Unlike the solar second, which is based on the Earth's rotation relative to the Sun, the sidereal second offers a more consistent basis for astronomical observations.
History & Origin
The concept of the sidereal second emerged from the need to measure time based on the position of celestial bodies rather than the Sun. Historically, astronomers needed a reliable way to time celestial events, leading to the definition of the sidereal day. The sidereal second was thus derived from this day, representing a more accurate measure for astronomical purposes.
Etymology: The term 'sidereal' comes from the Latin word 'sidereus', meaning 'of the stars', reflecting its reliance on stellar positions for its definition.
Current Use
The second sidereal is predominantly used in astronomy, particularly in tracking celestial objects and calculating their movements. It is essential for astrological calculations, satellite positioning, and space exploration. Its precision allows astronomers to predict celestial events with high accuracy, thus playing a critical role in modern celestial navigation and astrophysics.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The sidereal day is about 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds long, differing from the solar day by about 4 minutes.
- •The sidereal second is essential for accurately predicting eclipses and transits of celestial bodies.
- •The concept of sidereal time dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Babylonians, who used it for their astronomical observations.
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