1 light-hour
7.214 AULength · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Length & distance
Solar neighbourhood
The quantity is exact as entered.
Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the constellation Orion that changes in brightness over time.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. A ruler represents the selected distance or a measurement not visible in this view.
A little perspective
1 light-hour is about 1.11 times the diameter of Betelgeuse.
Length: 7.214 AU; definition.
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Diameter: 6.511 AU; rounded model.
A deliberately rounded red-supergiant model. Its apparent edge varies with wavelength and the star changes over time.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Measurement details
Compare 1 light-hour with the diameter of Betelgeuse. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.
Length · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Diameter · rounded model
A deliberately rounded red-supergiant model. Its apparent edge varies with wavelength and the star changes over time.
The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.
This comparison follows the selected length only; other dimensions may differ.
Change your perspective
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A little smaller. A little larger.