Convert Earth's Equatorial Radius (R⊕) to Aln (aln) instantly.
About these units
Earth's Equatorial Radius (R⊕)
The Earth's equatorial radius is approximately 6,378.1 km. This distance represents the radius measured along the equator, where Earth's rotational bulge makes it slightly larger than the polar radius. Geodesists, cartographers, and astronomers use the equatorial radius for mapping, satellite positioning, and calculating gravitational effects. It is fundamental to defining the shape of the Earth as an oblate spheroid rather than a perfect sphere. Precise knowledge of R⊕ enables accurate navigation, climate modeling, and orbital calculations, forming the basis for modern geodesy and Earth observation systems.
Aln (aln)
The aln was a traditional Swedish unit of length equal to roughly 59.4 cm, though its exact value varied slightly by region and period. It belongs to the broader family of "ell" measurements used across Europe, originally based on the length of a human forearm. The aln played a crucial role in Swedish commerce, especially in the textile industry, where cloth was measured by stretching it along standardized rods or boards marked in aln lengths. Because such goods were often woven locally and traded regionally, the aln helped regulate and unify commercial practices before the adoption of the metric system. Although obsolete today, the aln survives in historical texts, architectural references, and Scandinavian museum records. Understanding the aln helps scholars interpret pre-modern construction records, land measurements, and traditional clothing industries, revealing a great deal about everyday life in early Sweden.