arcsecond [arcsec] to degree [deg] Converter

Definition: An arcsecond (symbol: '') is a unit of angular measure equal to 1/60 of an arcminute or 1/3600 of a degree. It is used to express very small angles, particularly in astronomy and surveying.

History/origin: Like the arcminute, the arcsecond originates from the Babylonian sexagesimal system.

Current use: Arcseconds are used in astronomy for high-precision measurements of stellar positions, parallaxes, and proper motions. They are also used in surveying and geodesy for precise angle determination.

Definition: A degree (symbol: °) is a unit of angular measure, representing 1/360 of a full rotation. It is a common unit for measuring angles, particularly in geometry and navigation.

History/origin: The division of a circle into 360 degrees is attributed to the ancient Babylonians, who used a base-60 (sexagesimal) numeral system. They may have chosen 360 because it is close to the number of days in a year.

Current use: Degrees are widely used in everyday contexts for measuring angles, such as in maps, compasses, and architectural drawings. They are also commonly used in mathematics and science, although radians are preferred in many theoretical contexts.