declination (original) (raw)

Declination is the angular distance of a celestial body north (positive) or south (negative) of the celestial equator: the equivalent of latitude on Earth. The declination of the Sun is the angular position of the Sun at solar noon with respect to the plane of the equator.

Declination is one of two coordinates commonly used to define the position of an object in the sky, the other being right ascension.

See also magnetic declination.

Right ascension

Right ascension (RA) is one of two coordinates commonly used to define the position of an object in the sky, the other being declination. Right ascension is the equivalent of longitude on Earth but is measured in hours, minutes, and seconds from an arbitrary point which is taken as the intersection of the celestial equator with the ecliptic.