What exact, fixed value did the IAU establish for the Astronomical Unit in 2012?
Answer
149,597,870,700 meters
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) formally redefined the Astronomical Unit (AU) in 2012 to eliminate uncertainty associated with observational measurements of the Earth-Sun distance. This decision fixed the AU to an exact, unchangeable value of 149,597,870,700 meters. This standardization move ensures consistency in solar system distance calculations and is conceptually similar to defining the meter based on the immutable speed of light, establishing a fundamental, non-variable standard for this key yardstick of the solar system.
Related Questions
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