How many light-years are in one megaparsec?

One megaparsec is equal to approximately 3.26 million light-years.

Is 'megaparsec' an SI unit?

No, the parsec and megaparsec are non-SI units accepted for use in astronomy alongside SI units.

Can 'megaparsec' be abbreviated?

Yes, the standard abbreviation is 'Mpc'.

In what fields would I encounter this term?

Exclusively in professional and academic contexts within astrophysics, cosmology, and extragalactic astronomy.

Is “megaparsec” formal?

Megaparsec is usually technical/scientific in register.

How do you pronounce “megaparsec”?

Megaparsec: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛɡəˈpɑːsɛk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛɡəˌpɑrsɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

megaparsec: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Rare

UK/ˌmɛɡəˈpɑːsɛk/US/ˈmɛɡəˌpɑrsɛk/

Technical/Scientific

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “megaparsec” mean?

A unit of distance used in astronomy, equal to one million parsecs.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A unit of distance used in astronomy, equal to one million parsecs.

A vast measurement scale employed in cosmology and astrophysics to describe intergalactic distances and the large-scale structure of the universe.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No spelling or usage differences. It is a standardized scientific term.

Connotations

Identical technical connotation in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally rare and confined to astrophysics/cosmology literature in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “megaparsec” in a Sentence

[Number] + megaparsec(s)[Verb: measure/span/be] + X + megaparsecs

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

one megaparsecseveral megaparsecsper megaparsec

medium

distance ofscale ofmeasured in

weak

approximatelyroughlynearly

Examples

Examples of “megaparsec” in a Sentence

verb

British English

Not applicable as a verb.

American English

Not applicable as a verb.

adverb

British English

Not applicable as an adverb.

American English

Not applicable as an adverb.

adjective

British English

The megaparsec-scale structure is evident in the survey data.

American English

They studied megaparsec-distance filaments of gas.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used exclusively in advanced astrophysics, cosmology, and extragalactic astronomy papers and textbooks.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

The primary context. Used in calculations of galactic redshifts, Hubble's Law, and mapping the cosmic web.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “megaparsec”

Strong

3.26 million light-years

Neutral

Mpc

Weak

vast distancecosmological distance

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “megaparsec”

millimetre nanometre micrometreinfinitesimal distance

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “megaparsec”

Mispronouncing the final 'c' as /k/ instead of /sɛk/ or /sɛk/.
Confusing it with 'megabyte' or other 'mega-' prefixed terms from computing.
Using it in non-scientific contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: One megaparsec is equal to approximately 3.26 million light-years.
: No, the parsec and megaparsec are non-SI units accepted for use in astronomy alongside SI units.
: Yes, the standard abbreviation is 'Mpc'.
: Exclusively in professional and academic contexts within astrophysics, cosmology, and extragalactic astronomy.
: A unit of distance used in astronomy, equal to one million parsecs.
: Megaparsec is usually technical/scientific in register.
: Megaparsec: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛɡəˈpɑːsɛk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛɡəˌpɑrsɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Not applicable.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: MEGA (huge) + PARSEC (astronomical unit). A 'megaparsec' is a 'mega' (million) times a 'parsec', itself a large distance.

Conceptual Metaphor

A 'yardstick for the universe', a scale for measuring the cosmic fabric.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The Hubble constant is often expressed in kilometres per second per .

Multiple Choice

What is a megaparsec primarily used to measure?