Hour angle: the angle between the observer s meridian and the declination circle passing through the

body. It is always measured westwards. Aries: is the point in which the sun s declination changes from south to north. Hour Circle: circles passing through the north and south celestial pole. Right Ascension: equatorial distance measured eastward from the first point of aries to the hour circle through the heavenly body.

a celestial coordinate system is a coordinate system for mapping positions on the celestial sphere.

y The horizontal, or altitude-azimuth, system is based

on the position of the observer on Earth, which revolves around its own axis once in relation to the "fixed" star background. y The positioning of a celestial object by the horizontal system varies with time, but is a useful coordinate system for locating and tracking objects for observers on earth. It is based on the position of stars relative to an observer's ideal horizon.

- coordinates are measured with respect to horizon - change with time and depend on observer

Azimuth: 0 to 360 degrees around horizon from north towards east 0 = North, 90 = East, 180 = South, 270 = West Altitude: 0 to 90 degrees up from horizon 0 = Horizon, 90 = Zenith

The equatorial coordinate system is centered at

Earth's center, but fixed relative to distant stars and galaxies. The coordinates are based on the location of stars relative to Earth's equator. Divided in two types: a) The independent equatorial coordinate system (Declination and right ascension) b) The dependent equatorial coordinate system ( declination and hour angle)

y Declination y Analogous to latitude, but on the celestial sphere; it is

the angular north-south distance between the celestial equator and a location on the celestial sphere.

y Measured in degrees: y 0 to 90 north from celestial equator y 0 to -90 south from celestial equator

y RIGHT ASCENSION (RA) y Analogous to longitude, but on the celestial sphere; it

is the angular east-west distance between the vernal equinox and a location on the celestial sphere. y Measured in units of time: hours, minutes, seconds

Used in the publication of star catalogues. Use spherical co-ordinates which are

independent of observer s position. Refrence circle sre: equatorial circle and declination circle

Horizon Declination circle

Celestial latitude: arc of great circle

perpendicular to the ecliptic.

Celestial Longitude: arc of a ecliptic

intercepted between the great circle passing through the first point of Aries and the circle of celestial latitude passing through the body.