Astronomical Units
Astronomical Units (AU) is a unit of measurement used in space and astronautical engineering to describe distances within the solar system. One AU is defined as the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, which is approximately 149.6 million kilometers. This unit is commonly used to describe distances between planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. The use of AU simplifies calculations and allows for easier comparison of distances within the solar system. However, it is important to note that the distance between the Earth and the Sun is not constant and varies throughout the year due to the elliptical shape of the Earth's orbit.
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