declination
Sign in to saveIn astronomy, declination (abbreviated dec; symbol δ) is one of the two angles that locate a point on the celestial sphere in the equatorial coordinate system, the other being hour angle. The declination angle is measured north (positive) or south (negative) of the celestial equator, along the hour circle passing through the point in question.
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Declination is an astronomical measurement that describes how far north or south a celestial object appears in the sky, measured from an imaginary line called the celestial equator. This measurement is one of two coordinates astronomers use to pinpoint the exact location of stars and other objects in the sky, much like latitude and longitude are used to locate places on Earth.
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Article
8 sectionsContents
- Explanation
- Effects of precession
- Stars
- Sun
- Relation to latitude
- See also
- Notes and references
- External links
In astronomy, declination (abbreviated dec; symbol δ) is one of the two angles that locate a point on the celestial sphere in the equatorial coordinate system, the other being hour angle. The declination angle is measured north (positive) or south (negative) of the celestial equator, along the hour circle passing through the point in question.
right|thumb|350px| Right ascension and declination as seen on the inside of the [[celestial sphere. The primary direction of the system is the vernal equinox, the ascending node of the ecliptic (red) on the celestial equator (blue). Declination is measured northward or southward from the celestial equator, along the hour circle passing through the point in question.]]