Convert fathom to astronomical unit
Please provide values below to convert fathom [fath] to astronomical unit [AU, UA], or Convert astronomical unit to fathom.
How to Convert Fathom to Astronomical Unit
1 fath = 1.22247729292045e-11 AU, UA
Example: convert 15 fath to AU, UA:
15 fath = 15 × 1.22247729292045e-11 AU, UA = 1.83371593938068e-10 AU, UA
Fathom to Astronomical Unit Conversion Table
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Fathom
A fathom is a unit of length equal to 6 feet, used especially for measuring the depth of water.
History/Origin
The term "fathom" comes from the Old English word "fæthm," meaning "outstretched arms," as the distance was originally the span of a man's outstretched arms.
Current Use
The fathom is still used in nautical applications, especially in the United States, to measure water depth. It is also used in commercial fishing to measure the length of lines.
Astronomical Unit
The astronomical unit is a unit of length, now defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters. It is approximately the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.
History/Origin
Historically, the astronomical unit was the mean Earth-Sun distance. In 2012, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined it as a fixed constant.
Current Use
The astronomical unit is used primarily for measuring distances within the Solar System or around other stars.