Minute Converter
Convert Minute to Second and more • 33 conversions
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Unit Explanations
Minute of Arc'
Source UnitA minute of arc, often referred to simply as a 'minute', is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/60th of one degree. It is denoted by the prime symbol ('). The unit is used in fields such as astronomy, navigation, and engineering to measure small angles with precision. One minute of arc is further subdivided into 60 arcseconds, making it a crucial component in the finer division of angles. It is not an SI unit but is widely used in practical applications due to its straightforward relationship with degrees.
Current Use
Today, the minute of arc is used predominantly in fields requiring precise angular measurements. In astronomy, it helps in locating stars and celestial phenomena. In navigation, it assists mariners and pilots in plotting courses. Engineering applications often utilize minutes of arc in precision measurements and design. Despite the advent of modern technology, these traditional methods remain integral to accurate calculations.
Fun Fact
A full circle has 21,600 minutes of arc.
Second of Arc"
Target UnitA second of arc, also known as an arcsecond, is a unit of angular measurement that is equal to 1/3600 of a degree or 1/60 of an arcminute. It is used primarily in fields that require precise angular measurement, such as astronomy, navigation, and mapping. An arcsecond is a small unit, reflecting the requirement for high precision in measurements of celestial objects and angles on the Earth's surface. The notation for a second of arc is usually represented by a double prime symbol ("), following the degree and arcminute symbols.
Current Use
Today, the second of arc is indispensable in astronomy for measuring the positions and movements of celestial objects with high precision. It is also used in geodesy and cartography to define the precise angular relationships between points on the Earth. Additionally, arcseconds are employed in the calibration of telescopes and other optical instruments where small angular measurements are critical.
Fun Fact
An arcsecond is roughly the angle subtended by a U.S. dime at a distance of 2.4 miles.
Convert Minute to Second (min to s)
Convert Minutes (min) to Seconds (s). The most intuitive multiplication in the world: x60. Whether boiling an egg (3 mins = 180s) or doing HIIT workouts, this conversion is muscle memory for most people.
Multiply minutes by 60. For example, 5 min = 300 s.
Minute (min)
Definition
60 seconds.
Origins & History
Sexagesimal system.
Second (s)
Definition
SI unit.
Origins & History
Atomic clock.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
Quick Examples
💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Minute of Arc
angle • Non-SI
Definition
A minute of arc, often referred to simply as a 'minute', is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/60th of one degree. It is denoted by the prime symbol ('). The unit is used in fields such as astronomy, navigation, and engineering to measure small angles with precision. One minute of arc is further subdivided into 60 arcseconds, making it a crucial component in the finer division of angles. It is not an SI unit but is widely used in practical applications due to its straightforward relationship with degrees.
History & Origin
The concept of dividing a circle into 360 degrees has ancient origins, likely stemming from the Sumerians and Babylonians around 3000 BCE, who used a base-60 number system. The minute of arc as a subdivision of the degree emerged from this system as a practical method for detailed angular measurement. This division allowed for more precise calculations necessary in fields like astronomy and navigation.
Etymology: The term 'minute' comes from the Latin 'pars minuta', meaning 'small part'.
Current Use
Today, the minute of arc is used predominantly in fields requiring precise angular measurements. In astronomy, it helps in locating stars and celestial phenomena. In navigation, it assists mariners and pilots in plotting courses. Engineering applications often utilize minutes of arc in precision measurements and design. Despite the advent of modern technology, these traditional methods remain integral to accurate calculations.
💡 Fun Facts
- •A full circle has 21,600 minutes of arc.
- •The Earth’s diameter is about 1 minute of arc as viewed from the Moon.
- •The term 'minute' in angular measurement is unrelated to the time unit 'minute'.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
Second of Arc
angle • Non-SI
Definition
A second of arc, also known as an arcsecond, is a unit of angular measurement that is equal to 1/3600 of a degree or 1/60 of an arcminute. It is used primarily in fields that require precise angular measurement, such as astronomy, navigation, and mapping. An arcsecond is a small unit, reflecting the requirement for high precision in measurements of celestial objects and angles on the Earth's surface. The notation for a second of arc is usually represented by a double prime symbol ("), following the degree and arcminute symbols.
History & Origin
The concept of dividing a circle into degrees and further into minutes and seconds dates back to ancient Babylonian astronomers, who used a sexagesimal (base-60) number system. The division of a degree into 60 parts, known as minutes, and each minute into 60 parts, known as seconds, allowed for more precise measurement and calculation of angles in the study of celestial bodies. This system became widespread with the work of Greek and later Islamic scholars, who advanced astronomical knowledge and navigation.
Etymology: The term 'second' in this context comes from the Latin 'secunda', meaning 'second division' or 'second order', referring to its place in the hierarchical division of degrees.
Current Use
Today, the second of arc is indispensable in astronomy for measuring the positions and movements of celestial objects with high precision. It is also used in geodesy and cartography to define the precise angular relationships between points on the Earth. Additionally, arcseconds are employed in the calibration of telescopes and other optical instruments where small angular measurements are critical.
💡 Fun Facts
- •An arcsecond is roughly the angle subtended by a U.S. dime at a distance of 2.4 miles.
- •The Hubble Space Telescope can resolve images with an angular resolution of about 0.05 arcseconds.
- •In one parsec, which is a unit of astronomical distance, a star would have a parallax angle of one arcsecond.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert to ?▼
To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
Is this to converter accurate?▼
Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.
Can I convert back to ?▼
Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.