A song
A song is a musical composition intended to be performed vocally or instrumentally.
How big is it?
3.5 min · time
Time · reference interval
A little perspective
A song vs Earth–Sun distance: duration comparison
The duration of the Earth–Sun distance is about 2.38 times the duration of a song.
ELAPSED TIME
A song is a musical composition intended to be performed vocally or instrumentally.
The Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
A song
Time: 3.5 min; reference interval.
A defined 3.5-minute song.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Earth–Sun distance
Time: 8.317 min; definition.
One astronomical unit is exactly 149,597,870,700 m. It is a useful Earth–Sun orbital scale, not the separation at every instant. Light takes about 8 minutes 19 seconds to cross it.
NIST — 2022 CODATA fundamental constants
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 3.5 min
We compare the duration of a song. The measurement is labelled reference interval. Check the source notes for its basis.
A defined 3.5-minute song.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 min | Not recorded | reference interval |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePeople and human anatomyRed-cell circulation time1 minRepresentative whole-body circuit timeRed-cell circulation time is the typical duration for a red blood cell to complete a full circuit through the human circulatory system at rest.
Nearest higher valuePlanets, moons and spaceEarth–Sun distance8.317 minTimeThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TimeBlink of an eye150 msA blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.TimeHuman lifetime80 yearsA human lifetime is the span from a person's birth to their death.
TimeAge of Earth4.54 GyrThe age of Earth is the time that has passed since the planet formed from the solar nebula.TimeAge of the universe13.8 GyrThe age of the universe is the time since the Big Bang, marking the beginning of cosmic expansion.SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.PeopleRed-cell circulation time1 minRed-cell circulation time is the typical duration for a red blood cell to complete a full circuit through the human circulatory system at rest.
TimeFree neutron mean lifetime14.67 minFree neutron mean lifetime is the average time a neutron exists outside an atomic nucleus before decaying into other particles.
GravityTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm0.4387 NA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.