How many meters are in a parsec?

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A parsec is a unit of distance used in astronomy to measure vast distances to astronomical objects outside of our solar system. Its name derives from "parallax" and "arcsecond," reflecting how it is defined: one parsec is the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one arcsecond.

To convert a parsec into meters, it's established that one parsec is approximately 3.0857 x 10^16 meters. This conversion is based on the geometry of parallax measurements and the fact that the observable universe is so large that traditional units like kilometers or miles become impractical.

Given that B represents this value accurately, it confirms that a parsec is indeed measured as 3.0857 x 10^16 meters. The other options provided refer to either different units of measurement or concepts entirely unrelated to distance, such as the mass of celestial objects or variables associated with physics formulas. Thus, the clarity and accuracy of option B in representing the conversion of parsecs into meters solidifies its correctness.

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