Convert Megaparsec to Astronomical Unit
Convert megaparsecs to astronomical units instantly. 1 megaparsec = 2.062648e+11 astronomical unit — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Astronomical Unit to Megaparsec converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Megaparsec
A megaparsec is a distance unit equal to one million parsecs (about 3.09×10²² m). It is the standard unit for cosmological-scale distances.
Combines the metric-style prefix mega- with the parsec. Standardised in astronomy for inter-galactic distances and cosmological calculations.
Megaparsecs are used in cosmology to express distances to other galaxies (Andromeda is ~0.78 Mpc), galaxy-cluster separations, and the Hubble constant (typically quoted as ~70 km/s per Mpc).
Exact via the parsec; the megaparsec is the standard scale unit in modern cosmology.
Astronomical Unit
The astronomical unit (AU) is a unit of length equal to exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, approximately the average distance from Earth to the Sun. It is the fundamental unit for distance within the solar system.
The AU was originally defined as the semi-major axis of Earth's orbit. In 2012, IAU Resolution B2 redefined the AU as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, severing its dependence on the actual fluctuating Earth–Sun distance.
AUs are used to express distances within the solar system (Mars: 1.5 AU, Pluto: ~40 AU at perihelion), exoplanet orbital radii, and other planetary-scale distances. Standard in planetary science and astronomy.
Original definition tied to Earth's orbit (Newton, 17th century); fixed at exactly 149,597,870,700 m by IAU Resolution B2 in 2012.
Megaparsec to Astronomical Unit conversion formula
The relationship between megaparsecs and astronomical units:
To convert megaparsecs to astronomical units, multiply the value in megaparsecs by 2.062648e+11. To reverse, multiply astronomical units by 4.848137e-12.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in astronomical units updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Astronomical Unit to Megaparsec converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert megaparsecs to astronomical units
- Write down the value in megaparsecs (Mpc).
- Multiply that value by the factor 2.062648e+11.
- The product is the equivalent value in astronomical units (AU).
- To reverse, multiply the astronomical unit value by 4.848137e-12.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 Mpc to AU:
1 × 2.062648e+11 = 2.062648e+11 AU
Example 2 — Convert 100 Mpc to AU:
100 × 2.062648e+11 = 2.062648e+13 AU
Megaparsec to Astronomical Unit conversion table
Standard reference values for converting megaparsecs to astronomical units:
| Megaparsec [Mpc] | Astronomical Unit [AU] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 2.062648e+9 |
| 0.1 | 2.062648e+10 |
| 1 | 2.062648e+11 |
| 2 | 4.125296e+11 |
| 3 | 6.187944e+11 |
| 4 | 8.250592e+11 |
| 5 | 1.031324e+12 |
| 10 | 2.062648e+12 |
| 20 | 4.125296e+12 |
| 30 | 6.187944e+12 |
| 40 | 8.250592e+12 |
| 50 | 1.031324e+13 |
| 100 | 2.062648e+13 |
| 500 | 1.031324e+14 |
| 1000 | 2.062648e+14 |
Frequently asked questions
How many astronomical units is 1 megaparsec?
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Popular length unit conversions
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (4 units)
Astronomical (8 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 Mpc = 2.062648e+11 AU) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.