An astronomical unit is the mean Earth-Sun distance.
Astronomical units to Micrometers Converter — AU to um
Convert Astronomical unit (AU) to Micrometer (um) using the exact conversion factor (1 astronomical unit = 1.495979e+17 micrometer). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Astronomical units to Micrometers converter
Converter
Scientific Units Converter
Convert SI derived units, scientific notation-friendly units, atomic units, and lab measurements.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Micrometer is 0.000001 meter units.
Result = input x 1.49597871e+11 / 1e-6.
Length units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Astronomical units to Micrometers
Astronomical unit and Micrometer are both scientific-measurement units, spanning everything from atomic and laboratory scales to astronomical distances — the kind of conversion that comes up constantly in physics, chemistry, and astronomy when a result needs to move between conventions used in different subfields. Astronomical unit is most often used for measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits).
Formula
micrometers = astronomical units × 1.495979e+17
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 astronomical unit equals 149597870700 base units, and 1 micrometer equals 0.000001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct astronomical unit-to-micrometer factor of 1.495979e+17.
Simple example
1 AU × 1.495979e+17 = 1.495979e+17 um
1 astronomical unit = 1.495979e+17 micrometers.
Real-world example
10 AU × 1.495979e+17 = 1.495979e+18 um
10 astronomical units = 1.495979e+18 micrometers.
Conversion table
| Astronomical unit (AU) | Micrometer (um) |
|---|---|
| 0.001 AU | 1.495979e+14 um |
| 0.01 AU | 1.495979e+15 um |
| 1 AU | 1.495979e+17 um |
| 10 AU | 1.495979e+18 um |
| 100 AU | 1.495979e+19 um |
| 1,000 AU | 1.495979e+20 um |
Reverse conversion: Micrometer to Astronomical unit
1.495979e+17 um × 6.684587e-18 = 1.000000196 AU
1.495979e+17 micrometers = 1.000000196 astronomical units.
astronomical units = micrometers × 6.684587e-18
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Micrometer 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 Micrometer (um)
Micrometer is 0.000001 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 micrometers are in 1 astronomical unit?
1 astronomical unit equals 1.495979e+17 micrometers, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert astronomical unit to micrometer?
Multiply the astronomical unit value by 1.495979e+17. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert micrometer back to astronomical unit?
Use the reverse factor: 1 micrometer equals 6.684587e-18 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 micrometer?
Micrometer (um) is a unit of scientific units.
Is the astronomical unit to micrometer 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.
Why does this category span everything from atomic to astronomical scales?
Scientific work spans an enormous range of physical scales, from atomic distances (measured in angstroms or atomic mass units) to interstellar distances (measured in astronomical units or parsecs), so this category groups SI-derived and scale-specific units that researchers commonly need to convert between within their field.