Megameter to Meter Converter

A megameter (Mm) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one million meters (10⁶ m). It is commonly used to measure very large distances, particularly in astronomy and geography.

The megameter was introduced as part of the metric system's decimal-based approach to measurement. The prefix 'mega-' comes from the Greek word 'megas' meaning 'great' or 'large', and was officially adopted in 1960 as part of the International System of Units (SI).

Megameters are primarily used in scientific contexts, particularly in astronomy for measuring distances between celestial bodies within our solar system, and in geography for measuring very large terrestrial distances such as the diameter of planets or the distance between continents.

A meter (m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). Originally defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the Earth's equator to the North Pole, it is now defined by the speed of light in vacuum.

The meter was first defined in 1793 during the French Revolution as part of the metric system. Initially based on Earth's dimensions, it was later redefined using a platinum-iridium bar (1889), then by wavelengths of light (1960), and finally in 1983 by the distance light travels in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.

The meter is universally used in science, engineering, and most countries for everyday measurements. It's the standard for construction, manufacturing, sports (track and field), and scientific research. Most countries use meters for height, room dimensions, and short to medium distances.