Right Ascension (Noun)
Meaning
(astronomy) the equatorial coordinate specifying the angle, measured eastward along the celestial equator, from the vernal equinox to the intersection of the hour circle that passes through an object in the sky; usually expressed in hours and minutes and seconds; used with declination to specify positions on the celestial sphere; "one hour of right ascension equals fifteen degrees".
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- A celestial object's right ascension is combined with its declination to define its unique coordinates in the sky.
- The vernal equinox serves as the zero point for measuring the right ascension of stars and other celestial objects.
- The right ascension is one of the key parameters that astronomers use to precisely locate objects on a star chart.
- In the equatorial coordinate system, an object's right ascension is used along with its declination to specify its position on the celestial sphere.
- Astronomers calculate the position of a celestial body by determining its right ascension and declination relative to major reference points in the sky.