Why do astronomers use astronomical units (AU) instead of kilometers (km)?(1 point)

Responses

AU is used for spacing, while km is used for length.
AU is used for spacing, while km is used for length.

Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.
Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.

AU is used in astronomy, while km is used in physics.
AU is used in astronomy, while km is used in physics.

There are no km in outer space, only AU.
There are no km in outer space, only AU.

AU is used for spacing, while km is used for length. Large distances in space, such as the distances between planets or between stars, are better expressed in astronomical units (AU) because it provides a more convenient scale for understanding these vast distances. One astronomical unit is approximately equal to the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, which is about 150 million kilometers. Using kilometers to measure these distances would result in very large and less comprehensible numbers.

Why do astronomers use astronomical units (AU) instead of kilometers (km)?(1 point)

Responses

AU is used for spacing, while km is used for length.

Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.

AU is used in astronomy, while km is used in physics.

There are no km in outer space, only AU.

AU is used for spacing, while km is used for length. Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.

What would missing data do to the accuracy of a model?(1 point)

Responses

Missing data would not affect a model’s accuracy.
Missing data would not affect a model’s accuracy.

Missing data would make a model accurate.
Missing data would make a model accurate.

Missing data would make a model inaccurate.
Missing data would make a model inaccurate.

Missing data would enhance a model’s accuracy.

Missing data would make a model inaccurate.

Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.

The correct answer is: Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.

Astronomical Unit (AU) is a unit of measurement that is specifically used to describe distances within our solar system. It is defined as the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, which is approximately 149.6 million kilometers (km).

Astronomers often use AU when discussing distances between celestial bodies like planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. The reason for this is that the solar system is vast, and using kilometers can result in very large numbers that are difficult to comprehend. Expressing distances in AU allows for easier understanding and comparison of these distances.

For example, when discussing the distance between the Earth and Mars, it is simpler to say that Mars is about 1.52 AU away rather than stating the distance in kilometers, which is around 225 million kilometers. By using AU, astronomers can better communicate and visualize the relative distances within our solar system.