Difference between revisions of "Right ascension"
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[[Category: Astronomy]] | [[Category: Astronomy]] | ||
== Explanation == | == Explanation == | ||
| − | Right ascension of an astronomical object like a [[star]] in the [[celestial sphere]] is analogous to the [[longitude]] on [[Earth]]. Right ascension is usually measured in [[hour]]s towards the east, which corresponds to 15° as 24 [[sidereal hour]]s marks a complete circle of 360°. Just like longitudes, the right ascensions run through the celestial poles, which are the extension of the poles of the earth. | + | Right ascension of an astronomical object like a [[star]] in the [[celestial sphere]] is analogous to the [[longitude]] on [[Earth]]. Right ascension is usually measured in [[hour]]s towards the east, which corresponds to 15° as 24 [[sidereal hour]]s marks a complete circle of 360°. Just like longitudes, the right ascensions run through the celestial poles, which are the extension of the poles of the earth. Together with [[declination]], they form the celestial coordinates. |
== Frequently Asked Questions == | == Frequently Asked Questions == | ||
=== What is the reference of the right ascension? === | === What is the reference of the right ascension? === | ||
The reference point for longitude on earth is the prime meridian chosen to be at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, Britain. For the celestial longitude or right ascension, this arbitrary reference point of 0h right ascension is chosen to be at the vernal [[equinox]] on March 21, by convention. | The reference point for longitude on earth is the prime meridian chosen to be at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, Britain. For the celestial longitude or right ascension, this arbitrary reference point of 0h right ascension is chosen to be at the vernal [[equinox]] on March 21, by convention. | ||
Latest revision as of 09:33, 29 November 2016
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Explanationedit
Right ascension of an astronomical object like a star in the celestial sphere is analogous to the longitude on Earth. Right ascension is usually measured in hours towards the east, which corresponds to 15° as 24 sidereal hours marks a complete circle of 360°. Just like longitudes, the right ascensions run through the celestial poles, which are the extension of the poles of the earth. Together with declination, they form the celestial coordinates.
Frequently Asked Questionsedit
What is the reference of the right ascension?edit
The reference point for longitude on earth is the prime meridian chosen to be at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, Britain. For the celestial longitude or right ascension, this arbitrary reference point of 0h right ascension is chosen to be at the vernal equinox on March 21, by convention.