Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parsec

noun

/ˈpɑːr.sɛk/

Definition

A unit of measurement used in astronomy that describes the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one arcsecond.

Examples

The nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, is approximately 4.24 parsecs away from Earth.
Galaxies can be millions of parsecs apart, highlighting the vastness of the universe.

Meaning

Parsec is derived from the combination of ‘parallax’ and ‘arcsecond’. It is mainly used to measure vast distances to stars and galaxies beyond our solar system.