Scribd
Upload
17 views

Basics of Astrophysics Coordinate Systems

Basic ode SOLVING techniques

Uploaded by

CyanPowder
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
17 views

Basics of Astrophysics Coordinate Systems

Basic ode SOLVING techniques

Uploaded by

CyanPowder
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Basics of Astrophysics Coordinate Systems

1 Introduction
Coordinate systems are essential in astrophysics, enabling precise location and observation of celestial
objects. Different systems are used depending on the observer’s position, the object’s nature, and the
observational purpose. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the most commonly used
coordinate systems in astrophysics, with detailed derivations, equations, and diagrams.

2 Celestial Coordinate Systems


2.1 Horizontal Coordinate System
The horizontal coordinate system, also known as the alt-azimuth system, is based on the observer’s local
horizon. It uses two angles to specify the position of celestial objects: altitude (Alt) and azimuth (Az).
• Altitude (Alt): The angle above the horizon, ranging from 0◦ to 90◦ .
• Azimuth (Az): The angle along the horizon, measured clockwise from the north, ranging from
0◦ to 360◦ .
The transformation from equatorial to horizontal coordinates is derived using the observer’s latitude (ϕ),
the object’s declination (δ), and hour angle (H):
Altitude: Alt = arcsin(sin ϕ · sin δ + cos ϕ · cos δ · cos H) (1)
 
sin H
Azimuth: Az = arctan 2 (2)
cos H · sin ϕ − tan δ · cos ϕ

2.2 Equatorial Coordinate System


The equatorial coordinate system is aligned with Earth’s rotation axis, making it suitable for tracking
celestial objects. It uses Right Ascension (RA) and Declination (Dec).
• Right Ascension (RA): Measured in hours, minutes, and seconds along the celestial equator.
• Declination (Dec): Measured in degrees above or below the celestial equator.
The transformation from horizontal to equatorial coordinates involves local sidereal time (LST ):
sin(Dec) = sin(Alt) · sin ϕ + cos(Alt) · cos ϕ · cos(Az) (3)
RA = LST − H (4)

2.3 Ecliptic Coordinate System


The ecliptic coordinate system is based on the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun. It is useful for
solar system observations.
• Ecliptic Longitude (λ): Measured along the ecliptic from the vernal equinox.
• Ecliptic Latitude (β): Measured perpendicular to the ecliptic plane.
Transformation from equatorial to ecliptic coordinates:
 
sin(RA) · cos ϵ + tan(Dec) · sin ϵ
λ = arctan 2 (5)
cos(RA)
β = arcsin(sin(Dec) · cos ϵ − cos(Dec) · sin ϵ · sin(RA)) (6)
◦
where ϵ is the obliquity of the ecliptic, approximately 23.5 .

1
2.4 Galactic Coordinate System
The galactic coordinate system is centered on the Milky Way and uses Galactic Longitude (l) and
Latitude (b). It aligns with the plane of the Milky Way.
 
sin(RA − αG )
l = arctan 2 (7)
cos(RA − αG ) · sin δG − tan(Dec) · cos δG
b = arcsin(sin(Dec) · sin δG + cos(Dec) · cos(RA − αG ) · cos δG ) (8)

3 Coordinate Transformations
Transformations between coordinate systems are crucial for comparing observations. This section covers
transformations between horizontal, equatorial, ecliptic, and galactic coordinates, with detailed deriva-
tions.

4 Conclusion
Astrophysical coordinate systems provide a framework for describing the positions of celestial objects in
the sky. By understanding and applying the transformations between these systems, astronomers can
accurately track and study objects across different reference frames.

You might also like