Second Converter
Convert Second to Year 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 Yearyr_s
Target UnitA sidereal year is defined as the time it takes for the Earth to complete one full orbit around the Sun relative to the fixed stars. This period is approximately 365.256 days, equivalent to 365 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes, and 10 seconds. It is slightly longer than the tropical year, which is the basis for the calendar year, as the tropical year accounts for the changing seasons due to the precession of the equinoxes. The sidereal year is crucial for astronomical observations and understanding the motion of celestial bodies.
Current Use
Today, the sidereal year is primarily used in astronomy for calculating the positions of stars and for celestial navigation. It is essential for understanding the dynamics of our solar system and the movements of celestial bodies over long periods. This measurement is also relevant in fields such as astrophysics and cosmology where precise orbital mechanics are necessary.
Fun Fact
The length of the sidereal year is approximately 20 minutes longer than the tropical year.
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= × 1.00000How to Convert
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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 Year
time • Non-SI
Definition
A sidereal year is defined as the time it takes for the Earth to complete one full orbit around the Sun relative to the fixed stars. This period is approximately 365.256 days, equivalent to 365 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes, and 10 seconds. It is slightly longer than the tropical year, which is the basis for the calendar year, as the tropical year accounts for the changing seasons due to the precession of the equinoxes. The sidereal year is crucial for astronomical observations and understanding the motion of celestial bodies.
History & Origin
The concept of a sidereal year dates back to ancient civilizations that tracked celestial movements for agricultural and religious purposes. Babylonian astronomers were among the first to calculate the length of the year based on observations of the stars. The sidereal year was formally defined by the work of early astronomers such as Hipparchus and Ptolemy, who used it to measure the movement of celestial bodies relative to the fixed stars.
Etymology: The term 'sidereal' comes from the Latin word 'sidereus', meaning 'of the stars'.
Current Use
Today, the sidereal year is primarily used in astronomy for calculating the positions of stars and for celestial navigation. It is essential for understanding the dynamics of our solar system and the movements of celestial bodies over long periods. This measurement is also relevant in fields such as astrophysics and cosmology where precise orbital mechanics are necessary.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The length of the sidereal year is approximately 20 minutes longer than the tropical year.
- •The precession of the equinoxes causes the positions of the stars to shift slightly over time, affecting the length of the sidereal year.
- •Sidereal time is used in astronomy for locating stars, and one sidereal day is approximately 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds.
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