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What is the name of the unit for the average distance between the Earth and the Sun?

What is the name of the unit for the average distance between the Earth and the Sun?

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
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What is the name of the unit for the average distance between the Earth and the Sun?
 
Expert Solution
Step 1: Define astronomical unit
  • The standard unit of measurement in astronomy used to indicate the average separation between the Earth and the Sun is known as an astronomical unit (AU).
  •  It acts as a practical way to express distances within our solar system.
  • The idea of the astronomical unit is essential for comprehending planetary orbits because it serves as a benchmark for comparing celestial object distances to the Earth-Sun gap.
  •  Although it's crucial to note that this distance isn't fixed and changes slightly as Earth moves through its elliptical orbit around the Sun, one astronomical unit is about comparable to 93 million miles (150 million km).
  • When calculating and comparing distances inside our solar system, astronomers and space scientists rely heavily on the AU.
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