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Length/Distance | Convert from shackle to petameter |
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Common Length Conversions Metric Length Conversions Unit Definition (shackle) The shackle is a traditional unit of length used for measuring the lengths of nautical cables and chains, especially anchor chains. Anchor chains are formed by using shackles to join short lengths of chain. When the anchor is dropped and the chain runs out, a seaman counting the number of shackles can report the total length of chain deployed. The size of the unit therefore varied somewhat, depending on the length of the short chains used. In Britain, the unit became standardized in the 16th century at 12.5 fathoms (75 feet or 22.86 meters). In 1949, the Royal Navy adopted a length of 15 fathoms, which is 90 feet or 27.432 meters; this brought the British shackle in line with the U.S. unit, which is usually called the shot. Unit Definition (petameter) The petameter is a metric unit of distance equal to 10E12 kilometers. This is equivalent to about 621.371 billion miles or 0.1057 light year. The distance from the earth to the nearest star (other than the sun) is about 40 petameters.
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