An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The → SI unit of → pressure, that of one → newton per → square → meter. Since 1 Pa is a small pressure, hPa (→ hectopascals) are more widely used. 1 Pa = 10 dyn cm^-2, = 1.02 x 10^-5 kgf cm^-2 = 10^-5 bars = 9.87 x 10^-6 atm = 7.50 x 10^-3 torr (mm Hg).

See also: In honor of Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), French mathematician, physicist, and religious philosopher for his contribution in the study of hydrodynamics and hydrostatics, in particular establishing the principle of the barometer.