Light-Year to Kiloparsec Converter
Convert Light-Years to Kiloparsecs
Quick Conversions
How to Convert Light-Years to Kiloparsecs
To convert from light-years (ly) to kiloparsecs (kpc), you divide the distance in light-years by 3261.56. For more information about light-years as a unit of measurement, visit our light-years page.
Formula
Kiloparsecs = Light-Years / 3261.56
or
kpc = ly / 3261.56
Examples
- 100 ly = 100 / 3261.56 = 0.03066 kpc
- 500 ly = 500 / 3261.56 = 0.15329 kpc
- 1,000 ly = 1,000 / 3261.56 = 0.3066 kpc
- 3,261.56 ly = 3,261.56 / 3261.56 = 1 kpc
When to Convert Light-Years to Kiloparsecs
This conversion is useful when discussing distances in the vastness of space, especially for galactic and intergalactic distances.
Astronomy
Kiloparsecs are commonly used by astronomers to measure distances to star clusters, nebulae, and nearby galaxies.
Cosmology
In cosmology, kiloparsecs are a fundamental unit for understanding the scale of the universe and the distances to distant celestial objects.
Common Light-Years to Kiloparsecs Conversions
Here is a table of common conversions for quick reference:
| Light-Years (ly) | Kiloparsecs (kpc) | Light-Years (ly) | Kiloparsecs (kpc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.03066 | 10,000 | 3.066 |
| 500 | 0.15329 | 20,000 | 6.132 |
| 1,000 | 0.3066 | 3,261.56 | 1 |
| 2,000 | 0.6132 | 50,000 | 15.329 |
| 3,261.56 | 1 | 100,000 | 30.66 |
| 5,000 | 1.5329 | 500,000 | 153.29 |
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 a kiloparsec (kpc)?
A kiloparsec is a unit of length equal to 1,000 parsecs. One kiloparsec is approximately 3,260 light-years or 206,265,000 astronomical units.
How do I convert kiloparsecs to light-years?
To convert from kiloparsecs to light-years, you multiply the distance in kiloparsecs by 3261.56. For example, 0.001 kpc is equal to 0.001 * 3261.56 = 3.26156 ly.