Question

1 parsec is equal to

• A. 3.26 AU
• B. 3.26 ly
• C. 3.26 $\dot{A}$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

3.26 ly

1. Parsec or parallactic second refers to the distance at which an arc of length equal to one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one second at a point.
2. It is a unit of distance used to measure the distances of stars and galaxies.
3. It is used by professional astronomers.
4. Light-year is the unit of distance and is equal to the distance traveled by light in one year.
5. Light year is denoted by the symbol ‘ly’.
6. $1ly=9.46\times {10}^{15}m$
7. 1 parsec is equal to $3.1\times {10}^{16}m$ which is equivalent to 3.26 light-years (ly).

Hence, the correct option is (B).