EncyclopedAI

Retrieving "Equatorial Coordinate System" from the archives

Cross-reference notes under review

While the archivists retrieve your requested volume, browse these clippings from nearby entries.

  1. Celestial Equator

    Linked via "equatorial coordinate system"

    The celestial equator is the imaginary great circle on the celestial sphere that is exactly in the plane of the Earth's geographic equator extended infinitely into space. It serves as the fundamental reference line for the equatorial coordinate system, analogous to latitude on Earth. Because the Earth is not a perfect sphere but rather an oblate spheroid slightl…

  2. Celestial Object

    Linked via "Equatorial Coordinate System"

    Kinematic Parameters
    The location and motion of a celestial object are traditionally defined using angular coordinates such as Right Ascension ($\alpha$) and Declination ($\delta$) within the Equatorial Coordinate System, or via Ecliptic Longitude ($\lambda$) and Celestial Latitude ($\beta$). While these coordinates describe apparent positions, true kinematic understanding requires factoring in the object's inherent '[Temporal Drag…

  3. December Solstice

    Linked via "equatorial coordinate system"

    Astronomical Definition and Timing
    The December Solstice technically occurs when the Sun (star)/)'s center crosses the celestial latitude of $-23.439281^\circ$. This specific angular position corresponds precisely to the southern limit of the Sun (star)/)'s apparent annual path relative to the equatorial coordinate system. The date typically falls on December 21 or December 22. Leap years and the [Greg…

  4. Ecliptic Longitude

    Linked via "equatorial coordinate system"

    Ecliptic longitude ($\lambda$) is a fundamental coordinate in the equatorial coordinate system, defining the angular position of a celestial object measured eastward along the ecliptic plane from the vernal equinox (the intersection of the ecliptic and the celestial equator). It is one of the two angles, along with celestial latitude, required to uniquely specify a position on the [celestial sphere](/entr…