Difference between revisions of "Third"
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| − | A [[third]] is a revived, ancient form of time measurement, wherein hours were originally subdivided by further groups of 60 - 'prime minute' became a minute, 'second minute' became a second, and smaller divisions were forgotten in most [[Earth]] languages. It is thus equal to 1/60th of a second, or 16.666... milliseconds. | + | A [[third]] is a revived, ancient form of time measurement, wherein hours were originally subdivided by further groups of 60 - 'prime [[minute]]' became a minute, '[[second]] minute' became a second, and smaller divisions were forgotten in most [[Earth]] languages. It is thus equal to 1/60th of a second, or 16.666... milliseconds. |
It's purpose is primarily one of determining distance - as in, a light-third or 4,996,540.9666... meters - usually just rounded to five thousand kilometers. For [[ship]]s, it is considered the defining mark of 'point blank' range - an acceptable profile at such a distance is 30 centimeters for 30 gees of acceleration. | It's purpose is primarily one of determining distance - as in, a light-third or 4,996,540.9666... meters - usually just rounded to five thousand kilometers. For [[ship]]s, it is considered the defining mark of 'point blank' range - an acceptable profile at such a distance is 30 centimeters for 30 gees of acceleration. | ||
Latest revision as of 08:47, 17 April 2007
A third is a revived, ancient form of time measurement, wherein hours were originally subdivided by further groups of 60 - 'prime minute' became a minute, 'second minute' became a second, and smaller divisions were forgotten in most Earth languages. It is thus equal to 1/60th of a second, or 16.666... milliseconds.
It's purpose is primarily one of determining distance - as in, a light-third or 4,996,540.9666... meters - usually just rounded to five thousand kilometers. For ships, it is considered the defining mark of 'point blank' range - an acceptable profile at such a distance is 30 centimeters for 30 gees of acceleration.
By extension, fourths, fifths, etc. are sometimes used, but this is rare and usually facetious.
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