Kilometer (km) to Light-year (ly) Online Unit Converter Tool
Result:
Kilometer (km):
– Definition: The kilometer, abbreviated as “km,” is a unit of length equal to 1000 meters. It is commonly used to measure longer distances such as between cities or geographical locations.
– History/Origin: The term “kilometer” is derived from the Greek words “khilioi,” meaning “thousand,” and “metron,” meaning “measure.” The concept of dividing distances into thousand-meter segments has ancient origins.
– Current Uses: Kilometers are extensively used in transportation, geographical mapping, sports, and daily life. They provide a convenient way to express large distances in a manageable scale.
– Where to Use: Kilometers find application in road signs, maps, GPS navigation systems, athletic tracks, and international travel distances.
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.
Kilometer (km) to Light-year (ly) Conversion Table:
Kilometer (km) | Light-year (ly) |
1 | 1.057e-13 |
2 | 2.114e-13 |
3 | 3.171e-13 |
4 | 4.228e-13 |
5 | 5.285e-13 |
6 | 6.342e-13 |
7 | 7.399e-13 |
8 | 8.456e-13 |
9 | 9.513e-13 |
10 | 1.057e-12 |