equatorial system

astronomy

Also known as: equatorial coordinate system

Learn about this topic in these articles:

In star: Basic measurements
…measured very accurately in the equatorial system (the coordinates of which are called right ascension [α, or RA] and declination [δ, or DEC] and are given for some epoch—for example, 1950.0 or, currently, 2000.0). Positions of fainter stars are measured by using electronic imaging devices (e.g., a charge-coupled device, or…
Read More
In astronomical map: The equatorial system
Based on the celestial equator and poles, the equatorial coordinates, right ascension and declination, are directly analogous to terrestrial longitude and latitude. Right ascension, measured eastward from the first point of Aries (see directly above), is customarily divided into 24 hours rather than…
Read More