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Because it is a large measurement to measure a large distance (there would be immense amoughts of zeros behind a measurement like that given in miles, yet a lightyear is much too large). It is simply the right unit to measure distances that large.

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14y ago
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12y ago

(1) Parsecs (as well as light-years) are conveniently large. (2) Parsecs are closely related to - or easily calculated from - the parallax method, a method often used to find out the distance of nearby stars.

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7y ago

An astronomical unit (AU) - is equivalent ti the distance form the Earth to the Sun. That's a distance of 93,000,000 miles (150,000,000 Kilometres). Due to the vast amount of space between planets & galaxies - It's easier to quote distances in AU rather than miles or Kilometres. Far easier to write 1AUthan 93,000,000 miles.

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12y ago

so we can get the right measurements in space

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12y ago

Because space is infinite (supposedly) scientists must use a unit of measuring distance in space that is fairly large.

1 Astronomical Unit (AU) is equal to 149 598 000 km.

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12y ago

What measure?

If you mean AU, then it is because it is easier than using KM or miles, which have a lot of zeros.

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Q: Why do scientists use an astronomical unit to measure distances in the solar system?
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Why do scientists use light-years and astronomical units?

meters, feet, and even miles are way too small to measure distances in space. astronomical units are mostly used to measure distances in our solar system. light years are used to measure the distances of things further away from our solar system.


Why are astronomical units used?

measuring distances in the solar system.


Are kilometers the most useful unit of measure when discussing objects in our solar sysytem?

You can use kilometers if you like. On the other hand, distances within the Solar System are often quoted in AU (astronomical units), where 1 astronomical unit is the distance from Sun to Earth. Such distances are easier to visualize.


Why do scientists use light minutes and light hours instead of light years to measure distances with your solar systeam?

Objects in the solar system are much smaller than a light year. Light takes only minutes or hours to pass from one planet to another. To measure interplanetary distances in light years would be like measuring the sizes of insects in miles. Usually, though, rather than light hours and light minutes, distances in the solar system are measured in Astronomical Units (AU), which is average distance between Earth and the sun, about eight light minutes.


Why is the astronomical unit used when describing distances in your solar system?

Because the measurement of the solar system requires large numbers. It's far easier to use an Astronomical Unit (AU) than quote distances in miles. For example - the mean distance from the Earth to the sun is 93,000,000 miles. It's much easier to quote that distance as 1AU (It takes up less space on paper too !).

Related questions

Why do scientists use light-years and astronomical units?

meters, feet, and even miles are way too small to measure distances in space. astronomical units are mostly used to measure distances in our solar system. light years are used to measure the distances of things further away from our solar system.


How and when do scientists use astronomical unit?

This unit is mainly used for distances within the Solar System.


What is the most useful unit for measuring distances within the solar system?

. . . . . . . . . .Scientists mainly use Astrological Units [abbre. AU ] to measure distances within the Solar System. 1 Astrological Unit is somewhere around 49,580,000 - 49,590,000 kilometers, or roughly 49,600,000 kilometers if you prefer to round up.- S0L+++AstroNOMICAL, NOT Astrological!Astronomy is the science, using Astronomical Units.Astrology is collective name for an assortment of similar, semi-religious beliefs.. . . . . . . . . .


How to measure distances between celestial bodies?

the distance is measured in LIGHTYEARS.


What is a unit used to measure the large distances between objects in our solar system?

The Astronomical unit is used to measure the large distances in our solar system. It is roughly the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.


Why are astronomical units used?

measuring distances in the solar system.


Why are astronomical units AU not use for measuring distances between celestial objects that lie outside the solar system?

Astronomical Units are too small to be a useful unit of measure, therefore light years are used.


What are astronomical units usually used for?

measuring distances in the solar system


Are kilometers the most useful unit of measure when discussing objects in our solar sysytem?

You can use kilometers if you like. On the other hand, distances within the Solar System are often quoted in AU (astronomical units), where 1 astronomical unit is the distance from Sun to Earth. Such distances are easier to visualize.


Light Year and when do use an Astronomical Unit?

Use "Astronomical UNit" or AU when discussing distances within the solar system. Use "light year" when talking about the distances between stars.


Do astronomers measure the distancein the solar system in kilometers?

no the measure it in AU'S =ASTRONOMICAL UNITS


When unit do astronomers use to measure distances within the solar system?

The unit used is usually the Astronomical Unit (AU), which is the average distance from the earth to the sun, and is approx 150 million km.