1 parsec
3.262 lyLength · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Length & distance
Just how long is 1 parsec?
Deep space
1 pc
1 parsec
The quantity is exact as entered.
3.262 lyLength
0 - shared origin
Distance to Proxima Centauri
This is the distance from the Sun to Proxima Centauri, the closest known star to our Solar System.
4.25 lyDistance
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
The distance to Proxima Centauri is about 1.3 times 1 parsec.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
1 parsec
Length: 3.262 ly; definition.
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Distance to Proxima Centauri
Distance: 4.25 ly; approximate.
Rounded NASA nearby-star distance anchor, 4.25 light-years. The Earth is not at the centre of the galaxy.
NASA — Our nearest celestial neighbour
The marked distance is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Measurement details
Why these numbers?
Compare 1 parsec with the distance to Proxima Centauri. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.
Distance to Proxima Centauri
4.25 lyDistance · approximate
Rounded NASA nearby-star distance anchor, 4.25 light-years. The Earth is not at the centre of the galaxy.
- Comparing
- Length ↔ Distance
- Relative size
- The distance to Proxima Centauri is about 1.3 times 1 parsec. The distance to Proxima Centauri is approximately 30.3% greater than 1 parsec.
How to read the visual
The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.
- The distance to Proxima Centauri: 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 × 10¹⁶ mmetres
1.0124 × 10¹⁷ ftfeet
1.9174 × 10¹³ mimiles
206,260 AUastronomical units
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