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Span (span) to Light-year (ly) Online Unit Converter Tool

Result: 

Span (span):

Definition: The span is a unit of length traditionally used to measure the width of a human hand, from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended. It is typically around 9 inches or 22.86 centimeters.

History/Origin: The span has ancient origins, with different cultures defining it based on the size of a human hand or the width of a palm. It was commonly used in tailoring, carpentry, and construction.

Current Uses: While less common than meters or feet, spans are still used in some countries for estimating body measurements, fabric lengths, and architectural dimensions. They provide a convenient unit for measuring small distances and dimensions.

Where to Use: Spans are employed in tailoring, garment manufacturing, carpentry, and woodworking. They are particularly useful for estimating the size and proportions of objects based on human anatomy.

Light-year (ly):

Definition: The light-year is a unit of length used in astronomy and astrophysics to measure astronomical distances. It represents the distance that light travels in one year in a vacuum.

History/Origin: The concept of the light-year emerged in the late 17th century with the realization that light has a finite speed. It gained prominence in the early 20th century with the development of modern astrophysics.

Current Uses: Light-years are essential for describing distances between stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects in the universe. They provide a convenient scale for measuring vast astronomical distances.

Where to Use: Light-years are employed in astronomical research, cosmology, and science education. They help scientists and astronomers understand the scale and structure of the universe.

Span (span) to Light-year (ly) Conversion Table:

Span (span)

Light-year (ly)

1

2.4150 × 10^-18

2

4.8301 × 10^-18

3

7.2452 × 10^-18

4

9.6603 × 10^-18

5

1.2075 × 10^-17

6

1.4490 × 10^-17

7

1.6905 × 10^-17

8

1.9320 × 10^-17

9

2.1735 × 10^-17

10

2.4150 × 10^-17