Convert Arcminutes to Nanoradians
Convert Arcminutes (′) to Nanoradians (nrad) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
nrad = ′ × 290888.2087
About Arcminutes
An arcminute (′) is 1/60 of a degree - π/10,800 rad ≈ 2.909 × 10⁻⁴ rad. One arcminute of latitude equals exactly one nautical mile (1,852 m), which is the origin of the nautical mile unit. The Moon and Sun both subtend ~30 arcminutes in apparent diameter - the coincidence exploited in total solar eclipses. Human 20/20 visual acuity resolves letters 5 arcminutes tall at 6 m. Binocular and telescope apparent fields of view are quoted in arcminutes. 1′ = π/10,800 rad ≈ 0.01667° ≈ 290.9 µrad.
About Nanoradians
A nanoradian (nrad) is one billionth of a radian (10⁻⁹ rad), the smallest angle unit in regular scientific use. LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave observatories maintain mirror tilts to sub-nanoradian stability - a 1 nrad tilt on a 4 km mirror shifts the reflected beam by 4 nm. Earth-tidal deformation deflects the local plumb line by roughly 50 nrad over a full tidal cycle, measurable with superconducting gravimeters and ring-laser gyroscopes. Synchrotron X-ray beamline mirrors are steered to single-digit nanoradians by piezo actuators. 1 nrad = 10⁻⁹ rad ≈ 0.206 µas.
Quick Reference Table
| Arcminutes (′) | Nanoradians (nrad) |
|---|---|
| 1 ′ | 290888 nrad |
| 2 ′ | 581776 nrad |
| 5 ′ | 1454440 nrad |
| 10 ′ | 2908880 nrad |
| 25 ′ | 7272210 nrad |
| 50 ′ | 14544400 nrad |
| 100 ′ | 29088800 nrad |