Convert Arcseconds to Signs
Convert Arcseconds (″) to Signs (sign) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
sign = ″ × 9.259259259e-6
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 Signs
An astrological sign equals 1/12 of a full circle - π/6 rad = exactly 30°. The zodiac divides the ecliptic into twelve 30° signs (Aries through Pisces), originating in Babylonian astronomy ~5th century BCE. Historical ecliptic longitude was expressed as sign + degrees: "Scorpio 12°" = 222°. The 30° spacing also appears in music theory: the circle of fifths has twelve equally spaced positions 30° apart, and the octave divides into 12 equal semitones. 1 sign = 30° = 1,800′ = π/6 rad = 533.3 NATO mils.
Quick Reference Table
| Arcseconds (″) | Signs (sign) |
|---|---|
| 1 ″ | 9.259 × 10-6 sign |
| 2 ″ | 1.852 × 10-5 sign |
| 5 ″ | 4.63 × 10-5 sign |
| 10 ″ | 9.259 × 10-5 sign |
| 25 ″ | 0.000231481 sign |
| 50 ″ | 0.000462963 sign |
| 100 ″ | 0.000925926 sign |