Scribd
Upload
8 views

Celestial_Coordinate_System_Notes

The celestial coordinate system locates celestial objects on the celestial sphere, with the Equatorial and Horizon systems being the two main types. The Equatorial system uses Right Ascension and Declination for fixed global mapping, while the Horizon system uses Altitude and Azimuth, varying with the observer's location and time. This system is crucial for astronomy, satellite tracking, and celestial navigation.

Uploaded by

manikarnika77777
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
8 views

Celestial_Coordinate_System_Notes

The celestial coordinate system locates celestial objects on the celestial sphere, with the Equatorial and Horizon systems being the two main types. The Equatorial system uses Right Ascension and Declination for fixed global mapping, while the Horizon system uses Altitude and Azimuth, varying with the observer's location and time. This system is crucial for astronomy, satellite tracking, and celestial navigation.

Uploaded by

manikarnika77777
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

Celestial Coordinate Systems - MA Level Notes

1. Introduction

The celestial coordinate system is used to locate celestial objects on the celestial sphere, similar to how latitude and
longitude locate positions on Earth.

2. Celestial Sphere

An imaginary sphere with Earth at the center. All celestial bodies appear projected onto this sphere for observational
purposes.

3. Basic Reference Lines and Points

- Celestial Poles: Projections of Earth's poles


- Celestial Equator: Projection of Earth's equator
- Vernal Equinox: Reference point for Right Ascension (RA)
- Ecliptic: Apparent annual path of the Sun
- Zenith & Nadir: Directly overhead and opposite points

4. Types of Celestial Coordinate Systems

A. Equatorial Coordinate System

- Right Ascension (RA): Like longitude, measured eastward from Vernal Equinox in hours (0h to 24h)
- Declination (Dec): Like latitude, measured in degrees north or south of celestial equator
- Fixed for all observers; ideal for mapping the sky.

B. Horizon Coordinate System (Alt-Az)

- Altitude (Alt): Angle above the horizon (0 to 90 degrees)


- Azimuth (Az): Direction from North clockwise (0 to 360 degrees)
- Dependent on observer's location and time; used in real-time observations.

5. Comparison Table

Equatorial System:
- Based on celestial equator
- Uses RA and Dec
- Fixed globally
- Used in astronomy

Horizon System:
- Based on observer's horizon
- Uses Alt and Az
- Varies with time/location
- Used in navigation/telescopes
Celestial Coordinate Systems - MA Level Notes

6. Importance

Helps locate stars and planets precisely; vital in astronomy, satellite tracking, and celestial navigation.

7. Easy Summary

Imagine a globe in the sky. Equatorial coordinates give fixed positions, while Horizon coordinates tell you where to look
from your place and time.

You might also like