Convert Kiloparsec (kpc) to Nautical Mile (UK) (NM (UK)) instantly.
About these units
Kiloparsec (kpc)
A kiloparsec, equal to 1,000 parsecs, is used to express distances on the scale of large stellar groups, spiral arm structures, and galactic dimensions. The Milky Way, for instance, spans roughly 30 kpc in diameter, and the Sun is located about 8 kpc from the galactic center. Kiloparsecs provide a natural scale for modeling galactic rotation curves, star cluster distributions, and gravitational interactions between galactic features. Using parsecs alone would result in very large numbers, while megaparsecs would be too large for most galactic phenomena. The unit is essential in cosmology and astrophysics, where researchers examine interstellar distances, halo sizes, and the spatial arrangement of star-forming regions. The kpc helps create an intuitive sense of the Milky Way's architecture and the scale of galactic environments.
Nautical Mile (UK) (NM (UK))
The UK nautical mile was historically defined as 6,080 feet, slightly longer than the international nautical mile (1,852 meters). Before international standardization in 1929, British charts and maritime documents relied on this definition. It approximated one minute of latitude but used British feet rather than an exact metric conversion. Although the UK adopted the international nautical mile long ago, many older navigation charts, historical records, and maritime traditions still reference the UK version. Researchers dealing with archival naval documents must carefully distinguish between the two definitions to avoid errors in distance or speed calculations. The UK nautical mile is a reminder of the era before global standardization when each nation maintained its own measurement conventions—even for activities as universally critical as seafaring.