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CLASS 7 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Celestial Coordinates as an Introduction – Fundamentals and Applications

How it works

Celestial coordinates are systems for determining the direction of celestial bodies in the sky. In the equatorial system, the most important coordinates are declination (corresponding to geographic latitude, in degrees north or south of the celestial equator) and right ascension (corresponding to longitude, usually given in hours). These values are defined for distant objects such as stars independently of the observer's location. For simple applications, the horizon system is also important: it uses azimuth and altitude and depends on the observer's location as well as the time of observation.

Note
To describe celestial bodies unambiguously, one uses celestial coordinates such as declination and right ascension (equatorial system) or azimuth and altitude (horizon system). These coordinates indicate the direction or angular position of an object in the sky.

An example

Which coordinate system uses the terms declination and right ascension?

The equatorial system uses declination and right ascension. Explanation: In the equatorial system, the position of a celestial body is given similarly to on Earth with latitude (declination) and longitude (right ascension).

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Astronomy. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.