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  1. Parsec - Wikipedia

    The parsec (symbol: pc) is a unit of length used to measure the large distances to astronomical objects outside the Solar System, approximately equal to 3.26 light-years or 206,265 …

  2. Parsec | Definition & Facts | Britannica

    Dec 3, 2025 · Parsec, unit for expressing astronomical distance that is equal to 3.26 light-years.

  3. What is a parsec? Definition and calculation | Space

    Jul 29, 2022 · A parsec is a unit of distance that is often used by astronomers as an alternative to the light-year, just as kilometers can be used as an alternative to miles.

  4. Parsecs explained - BBC Sky at Night Magazine

    Jan 19, 2024 · Exactly what that distance is, though, is a little harder to define. Well, no, a definition is easy: a parsec is defined as “the distance at which 1 AU subtends an angle of one …

  5. What is a parsec? - BBC Science Focus Magazine

    Unfortunately, like the similarly misused ‘light-year’, the parsec is a unit of length, not of time. A parsec is equal to about 3.26 light-years or roughly 31 trillion kilometres (19 trillion miles).

  6. Parsec – Definition & Detailed Explanation - Sentinel Mission

    Oct 30, 2025 · The term “parsec” is derived from the words “parallax” and “arcsecond,” and it represents the distance at which an object would have a parallax angle of one arcsecond.

  7. PARSEC Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

    PARSEC definition: a unit of distance equal to that required to cause a heliocentric parallax of one second of an arc, equivalent to 206,265 times the distance from the earth to the sun, or 3.26 …

  8. Parsec Definition - Astrophysics I Key Term | Fiveable

    A parsec is a unit of distance used in astronomy to measure the vast distances between celestial objects, defined as the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one …

  9. PARSEC Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    The meaning of PARSEC is a unit of measure for interstellar space that is equal to 3.26 light-years and is the distance to an object having a parallax of one second as seen from points …

  10. What is a parsec in astronomy? - California Learning Resource …

    Jan 15, 2025 · A parsec is defined as the distance at which one astronomical unit (AU) subtends an angle of one arcsecond. One AU is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, …