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Length & distance

Just how long is 1 megaparsec?

Deep space

1 Mpc

Scale
1 megaparsec

The quantity is exact as entered.

1 MpcLength
0 - shared origin
Distance to Andromeda

This is the distance between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbour.

766.5 kpcDistance
0 - shared origin

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 megaparsec is about 1.3 times the distance to Andromeda.

Measurements, assumptions & sources +

1 megaparsec

Length: 1 Mpc; definition.

The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.

NIST — SI conversion factors

Distance to Andromeda

Distance: 766.5 kpc; approximate.

Approximate distance to our large galactic neighbour. This measures separation, not the galaxy’s diameter.

NASA — The galaxy next door

The marked distance is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.

Measurement details

Why these numbers?

Compare 1 megaparsec with the distance to Andromeda. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.

1 megaparsec

1 Mpc

Length · definition

The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.

Distance to Andromeda

766.5 kpc

Distance · approximate

Approximate distance to our large galactic neighbour. This measures separation, not the galaxy’s diameter.

Comparing
Length ↔ Distance
Relative size
1 megaparsec is about 1.3 times the distance to Andromeda. 1 megaparsec is approximately 30.5% greater than the distance to Andromeda.

How to read the visual

The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.

  • The distance to Andromeda: This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.

This comparison follows the selected length only; other dimensions may differ.

3.0857 × 10²² mmetres
1.0124 × 10²³ ftfeet
1.9174 × 10¹⁹ mimiles
2.0626 × 10¹¹ AUastronomical units

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