A parsec is a standard astronomical measurement that is often misunderstood. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. A parsec is a unit ...

The parsec is a unit for measuring vast astronomical distances based on the parallax effect.

Earth's distance from the sun does not stay the same throughout the year. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. An astronomical unit ...

- a unit of astronomical length based on the distance from Earth at which stellar parallax is 1 second of arc; equivalent to 3.262 light years ...