minute ['] Unit Converter
Definition of minute ['] unit
A minute of arc, or arcminute, is a unit of angular measurement equal to one-sixtieth of a degree and one-three-thousand-six-hundredth of a complete revolution. It is symbolized by ′ and subdivided into 60 seconds of arc.
History of minute ['] unit
The minute originated in the ancient Babylonian tradition of dividing circles and angles sexagesimally, using base 60. Greek astronomers adopted related subdivisions, and the system was preserved and refined through medieval Islamic astronomy and European scholarship. The term derives from Latin pars minuta prima, meaning “first small part,” used for the first division of a degree; the second division became the second of arc. As astronomy, navigation, and mapmaking developed, the arcminute became a practical standard for recording precise angular positions and measurements.
Applications of minute ['] unit
Today, arcminutes are used in astronomy to express apparent diameters, telescope resolution, and the separation of celestial objects. In navigation and surveying, they describe bearings and positions, while cartography uses them for latitude and longitude. Optics, geodesy, and military targeting also rely on arcminutes when specifying small angular errors or field-of-view measurements.
Complete list of minute ['] unit conversion
- degree [°] = 60 minute [']
- radian [rad] = 3437.7467707849 minute [']
- grad [^g] = 54 minute [']
- second ["] = 0.016666666666667 minute [']
- gon = 54 minute [']
- sign = 1800 minute [']
- mil = 3.375 minute [']
- revolution [r] = 21600 minute [']
- circle = 21600 minute [']
- turn = 21600 minute [']
- quadrant = 5400 minute [']
- right angle = 5400 minute [']
- sextant = 3600 minute [']
