The equatorial coordinate system is the most frequently used of the coordinate systems in
conventional astronomy. The equatorial coordinate system uses the meridian through the
first point of Aries, the point where the ecliptic crosses the celestial horizon.
Arbitrary Star
Celestial Equator
♈̂ α Right Ascension
Declination
H Hour Angle
Right Ascension
Declination
Distance (from )
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Physics
Horizontal Coordinates
For a celestial sphere centred on an observer, , the reference direction being the vertical
as defined by gravity at the observer's location.
The point immediately above the observer is the zenith, the point below, the nadir. Each is
a pole of the celestial horizon. The hemisphere above the celestial horizon is visible.
Horizontal Celestial Coordinates
Zenith
Arbitrary Star
Observer's Meridian
Observer's Horizon
̂ A Azimuth
Co-altitude
Altitude
Geographic Latitude
Coordinate Transformations
Altitude
Azimuth
Declination
Hour Angle
Geographic Latitude
Circumpolar Stars
A circumpolar star is one which never sets for an observer. The qualification for a
circumpolar star is that:
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Ecliptic Coordinates
The Earth's axis of rotation is tilted compared to the plane of its orbit. The ecliptic is the
great circle which is formed by the line the Sun traces out as it moves through the sky.
Arbitrary Star
Ecliptic
♈̂ λ Longitude
β Latitude
ϵ Obliquity of the
ecliptic
Latitude
Longitude
Distance (from )
Coordinate Transformations
Latitude
Longitude
Right Ascension
Declination
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Physics
Galactic Coordinates
The galactic system of coordinates is based on the plane of the galaxy, which provides the
galactic equator.
PA of Galactic Centre
Arbitrary Star
Galactic Equator
̂ Longitude
Latitude
To convert between galactic and equatorial coordinates three quantities must be known:
the right ascension and declination of the galactic north pole, and the position angle of the
galactic centre.
Coordinate Transformations
Latitude
( ) ( )
Longitude
( ) ( )
Right Ascension
Declination
Supergalactic Coordinates
The supergalactic coordinate system relates to the supergalactic plane - the plane of the
local universe. It therefore has similar principles to the galactic system of coordinates.
Coordinate Transformations
( ) ( ) Latitude
( ) ( ) Longitude
Right Ascension
Declination
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