Ask a New Question
Menu

Why do astronomers use astronomical units (AU) instead of kilometers (km)?(1 point) Responses AU is used in astronomy, while km is used in physics. AU is used in astronomy, while km is used in physics. There are no km in outer space, only AU. There are no km in outer space, only AU. Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km. Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km. AU is used for spacing, while km is used for length.

1 answer

The correct response is: Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.

Using astronomical units (AU) simplifies the representation of vast distances in space, as objects in our solar system are often far apart. Since 1 AU is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun (about 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers), it allows for easier communication and understanding of these distances without dealing with extremely large numbers in kilometers.