Parsec

A parsec is an astronomical measure of length that stands for "parallax arc-second". It is based on the Earth method of measuring interstellar distances using trigonometry. A star located one parsec away from an observer would have a "parallax angle" of one arc-second.

Based on this, one parsec is exactly equal to 360 &times; 60 &times; 60 / 2&pi; AU (206,264.8 AU or ~3.26 light years).

Comparative list of lengths
Each of the following gives a conversion to IAU light years, with appropriate use of significant digits.
 * The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) was 2.2 milliparsecs from the USS Lantree. There were no other vessels within two parsecs of there.


 * The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) was one-sixteenth of a parsec from 892-IV when it identified the SS Beagle debris.


 * The Enterprise used sensors to scan a one-half parsec radius, then increased to a one parsec radius.


 * The Enterprise-D was supposedly thrown 0.54 parsecs from their position near the Paxans' homeworld.


 * The Enterprise was to pass one parsec from a Klingon outpost. Pavel Chekov thought this was "close enough to smell them."


 * According to Data's reading of inertial guidance, the Enterprise-D traveled 1.4 parsecs in Nagilum's void without finding any sign of an exit.


 * Zalkon was 2.3 parsecs distant from where the Zalkonian warship met the Enterprise-D.


 * When the interphase began, the Enterprise was thrown 2.72 parsecs from where the Tholians' field captured them.


 * The regions of space known as 2279 PL and 2466 PM are both located approximately 22.3 parsecs beyond Cestus III and the Federation's chart limits during the late 23rd century.


 * The Vega Nine probe traveled 23 parsecs beyond the borders of the Federation, as well as any manned expeditions, to explore the Beta Stromgren system.


 * All Starfleet units and personnel were evacuated from an area covering 100 parsecs from the planet where Lazarus was found.


 * The unexplored region where the Metrons stopped the Enterprise and the Gorn ship occupied 1,000 cubic parsecs. The Metrons later hurled Enterprise 500 parsecs distant.


 * At 98% of its pre-temporal flux strength, the Krenim Imperium spanned 5,000 parsecs of the Delta Quadrant.

External link


Parsec Parsec パーセク Парсек