Convert Arcseconds to Arcminutes
Convert Arcseconds (″) to Arcminutes (′) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
′ = ″ × 0.01666666667
About Arcseconds
An arcsecond (″) is 1/3,600 of a degree - π/648,000 rad ≈ 4.848 × 10⁻⁶ rad. It is the fundamental resolution unit of classical astronomy and geodetic surveying. The Hubble Space Telescope delivers ~0.05″ resolution; atmospheric seeing at excellent sites gives 0.4-0.6″. Stellar parallax of Proxima Centauri is 0.7687″, defining its distance of 1.3009 parsecs. The parsec is defined as the distance at which 1 AU subtends exactly 1 arcsecond - giving 1 pc = 3.0857 × 10¹⁶ m. 1″ = π/648,000 rad ≈ 4.848 µrad.
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.
Quick Reference Table
| Arcseconds (″) | Arcminutes (′) |
|---|---|
| 1 ″ | 0.0166667 ′ |
| 2 ″ | 0.0333333 ′ |
| 5 ″ | 0.0833333 ′ |
| 10 ″ | 0.166667 ′ |
| 25 ″ | 0.416667 ′ |
| 50 ″ | 0.833333 ′ |
| 100 ″ | 1.66667 ′ |