Convert Gal to Kilometres per second squared

Convert Gal (Gal) to Kilometres per second squared (km/s²) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

km/s² = Gal × 1.000000000e-5

About Gal

The gal (Gal) equals 1 cm/s² = 0.01 m/s², named after Galileo Galilei in recognition of his free-fall experiments. Earth's surface gravity is approximately 980 Gal; the GRS80 normal gravity formula gives 978.03 Gal at the equator and 983.22 Gal at the poles. The BIPM SI Brochure recognises the Gal as a non-SI unit accepted in geophysics. 1 Gal = 0.01 m/s² = 1 cm/s² = 1000 mGal ≈ 1.02 × 10⁻³ g₀.

About Kilometres per second squared

The kilometre per second squared (km/s²) equals 1000 m/s², useful in astrodynamics where velocities are naturally in km/s. Solar system surface gravities: Earth ≈ 9.807 × 10⁻³ km/s², Moon ≈ 1.62 × 10⁻³ km/s², Jupiter ≈ 0.0248 km/s², Sun ≈ 0.274 km/s². Spacecraft trajectory simulators (GMAT, STK) express perturbation accelerations in km/s² through the equation of motion ā = -μr/r³ + δa_perturb. Ion engine thrust on a 600 kg probe (8 mN) gives ≈ 1.3 × 10⁻⁸ km/s². 1 km/s² = 1000 m/s² ≈ 101.97 g₀.

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