parsec
Cosmic distance unit
A parsec is a unit of astronomical distance equal to about 3.26 light-years—the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one arcsecond.
Astronomers use parsecs rather than light-years for professional work: The nearest star is about 1.3 parsecs away.
The word blends "parallax" and "arcsecond."
Astronomical length unit
- megaparsecUnit measuring galactic distances
- arcsecondMinute angular unit
- astrometryMeasuring celestial body positions
- HubbleRenowned astronomer's surname
redshift · distance ladder · cosmic scale · intergalactic · extragalactic · galaxy · quasar · deep space
Minute angular unit
- baselineStandard for comparison
- triangulationLocation via three points
- trigonometryTriangle angle mathematics
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
calibration · Earth orbit · heliocentric · surveying · subtend · angle · epoch · magnitude
State of being immense
- immensityLimitless extent or magnitude
- cosmic scaleUniverse-sized frame of reference
- interstellarBetween celestial bodies
- intergalacticSpanning multiple star systems
expanse · incomprehensible · universe · infinity · boundless · enormous · interstellar space · deep space
Iconic space fantasy franchise
- sci-fiFuturistic fiction, abbreviated
- hyperspaceFaster-than-light travel medium
- warpBend from true form
- FTLExceeding light speed
Han Solo · science fiction · spacefaring · starship · misuse · fandom · iconic · blunder
lightyear
Astronomical length unit
- megaparsecUnit measuring galactic distances
- arcsecondMinute angular unit
- astrometryMeasuring celestial body positions
Hubble · redshift · distance ladder · cosmic scale · intergalactic · extragalactic · galaxy · quasar · deep space · celestial
arcsecond
Minute angular unit
- baselineStandard for comparison
- triangulationLocation via three points
- trigonometryTriangle angle mathematics
precision · calibration · Earth orbit · heliocentric · surveying · subtend · angle · epoch · magnitude · sidereal
vastness
State of being immense
- immensityLimitless extent or magnitude
- cosmic scaleUniverse-sized frame of reference
- interstellarBetween celestial bodies
intergalactic · expanse · incomprehensible · universe · infinity · boundless · enormous · interstellar space · deep space · void
Star Wars
Iconic space fantasy franchise
- sci-fiFuturistic fiction, abbreviated
- hyperspaceFaster-than-light travel medium
- warpBend from true form
Han Solo · FTL · science fiction · spacefaring · starship · misuse · fandom · iconic · blunder
parsecangstrom
Subatomic length unit
nanometer · picometer · femtometer · micrometer · micron