The Astronomical Unit has been simplified from a complex equation to a straightforward number. Astronomers have redefined one of the most commonly used stellar distances, the astronomical unit (AU).

Astronomers use astronomical units to describe how far away objects in space are, mostly in relation to the sun or other stars. For instance, Jupiter is about 5.2 AU from the sun, according to NASA.

"Astronomical Unit," or Earth-Sun Distance, Gets an Overhaul A new AU redefinition involves changing it to a single number rather than basing it on a somewhat baffling equation ...

The astronomical unit (au) — the rough distance from the Earth to the Sun — has been transformed from a confusing calculation into a single number.

Next time a 5-year-old asks you how far the sun is, know you have the unanimous support of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in answering clearly and confidently: 149,597,870,700 meters ...