Mya (unit)


In astronomy, geology, and paleontology, mya or "m.y.a." is an acronym for million years ago. This abbreviation is commonly used as a unit of time to denote length of time before the present or "B.P." (before AD 1950). Specifically, one mya is equal to 10<sup>6</sup> years ago. The popular term 'mya' is replaced in scientific literature with Ma (megaannum).