An astronomical unit is the mean Earth-Sun distance.
Astronomical units to Petameters Converter — AU to Pm
Convert Astronomical unit (AU) to Petameter (Pm) using the exact conversion factor (1 astronomical unit = 0.0001495979 petameter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Astronomical units to Petameters converter
Converter
Length Converter
Convert SI, imperial, US customary, astronomical, scientific, and historical length units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Petameter is 1000000000000000 meter units.
Result = input x 1.49597871e+11 / 1e+15.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Astronomical units to Petameters
Astronomical unit and Petameter both measure length. Astronomical unit is most often used for measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits).
Formula
petameters = astronomical units × 0.0001495978707
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 astronomical unit equals 149597870700 base units, and 1 petameter equals 1e+15 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct astronomical unit-to-petameter factor of 0.0001495978707.
Simple example
1 AU × 0.0001495978707 = 0.0001495979 Pm
1 astronomical unit = 0.0001495979 petameters.
Real-world example
10 AU × 0.0001495978707 = 0.0014959787 Pm
10 astronomical units = 0.0014959787 petameters.
Conversion table
| Astronomical unit (AU) | Petameter (Pm) |
|---|---|
| 1 AU | 0.0001495979 Pm |
| 5 AU | 0.0007479894 Pm |
| 10 AU | 0.0014959787 Pm |
| 21.0975 AU | 0.0031561411 Pm |
| 42.195 AU | 0.0063122822 Pm |
| 100 AU | 0.0149597871 Pm |
Reverse conversion: Petameter to Astronomical unit
0.0001495979 Pm × 6684.587122 = 1.000000196 AU
0.0001495979 petameters = 1.000000196 astronomical units.
astronomical units = petameters × 6684.58712227
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Petameter to Astronomical unit.
Understanding the Astronomical unit
Astronomical unit (AU) measures distance. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical).
Where it's used: Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances.
Uses of the Astronomical unit today
- Measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits)
- Astronomical calculations and spacecraft navigation
- Popular science communication about the solar system
History of the Astronomical unit
The astronomical unit originated from 17th-19th century attempts to measure the Earth-Sun distance, refined over time using transits of Venus and later radar and spacecraft ranging.
In 2012, the International Astronomical Union fixed the AU at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, replacing its earlier definition (tied to gravitational calculations) with a simple fixed distance, independent of the slightly-variable actual Earth-Sun distance.
Historical origin. Astronomical unit was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Petameter (Pm)
Petameter is 1000000000000000 meter units.
Astronomical unit — sources
- IAU Resolution B2 (2012) — Fixes the astronomical unit at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many petameters are in 1 astronomical unit?
1 astronomical unit equals 0.0001495979 petameters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert astronomical unit to petameter?
Multiply the astronomical unit value by 0.0001495978707. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert petameter back to astronomical unit?
Use the reverse factor: 1 petameter equals 6,684.587122 astronomical units. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a astronomical unit?
Astronomical unit (AU) measures distance. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical).
What is a petameter?
Petameter (Pm) is a unit of length.
Is the astronomical unit to petameter conversion exact?
Yes. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
Where is the astronomical unit still used today?
Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances.