astrasecond

Astrasecond is a unit of time that is not part of the standard International System of Units (SI). It was proposed as a way to measure very long durations in astronomy. The concept of an astrasecond emerged from discussions within the astronomical community regarding the need for a convenient unit to express periods of time on cosmic scales. While not officially adopted, it represents an attempt to create a more intuitive scale for astronomical observations and theories.

The precise definition and value of an astrasecond can vary depending on the context in which it is used, but it is generally understood to be a significant multiple of a standard second. Some proposals have linked it to astronomical events or constants. For instance, it has been suggested as approximately equal to the time it takes light to travel one astronomical unit (AU), the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. This definition would make an astrasecond roughly equivalent to about 500 seconds, or a little over 8 minutes. Other definitions might be used in specific research papers or theoretical frameworks. The primary motivation for introducing such a unit is to simplify the communication of vast timescales, which are common in cosmology and astrophysics, making them more accessible to both scientists and the public.