When measuring vast distances in space, where light can take years to reach us, astronomers use a unit called a parsec. One parsec is equivalent to about 3.26 light-years or approximately 31 trillion kilometers. This unit is crucial for describing the distances between stars and galaxies accurately.
The term "parsec" is derived from "parallax arcsecond" and is based on the parallax effect observed as the Earth orbits the Sun. By understanding what a parsec represents, we can better comprehend the immense scales involved in astronomical measurements and appreciate the complexities of the universe.
