Convert Astronomical Unit (AU) to League (Statute) (st.league) instantly.
About these units
Astronomical Unit (AU)
The astronomical unit (AU) is one of the most important distance units in astronomy and planetary science. Defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, it represents the average distance between Earth and the Sun. Early astronomers could estimate the AU only indirectly through geometric and observational methods; modern techniques such as radar ranging and spacecraft telemetry have vastly improved its precision. The AU serves as a natural and intuitive scale for describing distances within the solar system. Planetary orbits, asteroid trajectories, comet paths, and interplanetary mission distances are often expressed in astronomical units because they avoid cumbersome scientific notation. For instance, Jupiter orbits at about 5.2 AU from the Sun, while the asteroid belt lies roughly between 2 and 3.3 AU. Beyond practical measurement, the AU forms part of a conceptual framework for understanding solar system layout. It appears in discussions of habitable zones, solar radiation intensity, and celestial mechanics. The unit's significance extends from education to high-level astrophysics, making it one of astronomy's cornerstone measurements.
League (Statute) (st.league)
The statute league was historically defined as 3 statute miles (~4.828 km). It originated as a measure of distance a person could travel on foot in about an hour. Leagues were widely used in exploration, mapping, and maritime navigation prior to the universal adoption of standardized miles and kilometers. They also appear extensively in literature, conveying narrative distances in a way more relatable to the human scale. Though obsolete in modern usage, the statute league provides cultural and historical context for maps, journals, and records from the 16th through 19th centuries.