Light-Year to Astronomical Unit Converter
Convert Light-Years to Astronomical Units
Quick Conversions
How to Convert Light-Years to Astronomical Units
To convert from light-years (ly) to astronomical units (AU), you multiply the distance in light-years by 63,241.1. For more information about light-years as a unit of measurement, visit our light-years page.
Formula
Astronomical Units = Light-Years × 63,241.1
or
AU = ly × 63,241.1
Examples
- 0.00001 ly = 0.00001 × 63,241.1 = 0.632411 AU
- 0.0001 ly = 0.0001 × 63,241.1 = 6.32411 AU
- 0.001 ly = 0.001 × 63,241.1 = 63.2411 AU
- 1 ly = 1 × 63,241.1 = 63,241.1 AU
When to Convert Light-Years to Astronomical Units
This conversion is useful when discussing distances in the vastness of space, especially for interstellar distances.
Astronomy
Astronomers use light-years to measure distances to stars and galaxies, as astronomical units become too small for such vast scales.
Cosmology
In cosmology, light-years are a fundamental unit for understanding the scale of the universe and the distances to distant celestial objects.
Common Light-Years to Astronomical Units Conversions
Here is a table of common conversions for quick reference:
| Light-Years (ly) | Astronomical Units (AU) | Light-Years (ly) | Astronomical Units (AU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00001 | 0.632411 | 0.001 | 63.2411 |
| 0.00005 | 3.162055 | 0.005 | 316.2055 |
| 0.0001 | 6.32411 | 0.01 | 632.411 |
| 0.0005 | 31.62055 | 0.05 | 3,162.055 |
| 0.001 | 63.2411 | 0.1 | 6,324.11 |
| 0.005 | 316.2055 | 0.5 | 31,620.55 |
| 1 | 63,241.1 | 10 | 632,411 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a light-year (ly)?
A light-year is a unit of distance in astronomy, equal to the distance that light travels in one Julian year in vacuum. It is approximately 9.461 trillion kilometers (5.879 trillion miles).
What is an astronomical unit (AU)?
An astronomical unit (AU) is a unit of length, roughly the distance from Earth to the Sun. It is defined as 149,597,870,700 meters.
How do I convert astronomical units to light-years?
To convert from astronomical units to light-years, you divide the distance in astronomical units by 63,241.1. For example, 100 AU is equal to 100 / 63,241.1 = 0.00158 ly.