Astronomical Unit

Real World Example

Imagine trying to measure the distance between two cities using a single step as your unit of measurement, where each step represents an average distance you take while walking. This is similar to how astronomers use the astronomical unit, a standard measurement of 150 million kilometers, to express distances in the vastness of space. Just like your step provides a familiar and consistent way to gauge how far you have to go between cities, the astronomical unit offers a standardized reference point to understand the immense distances in our solar system, such as the average distance from Earth to the Sun.