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declination

In astronomy, declination (abbreviated dec; symbol δ) is one of the two angles that locate a point on the celestial sphere in the equatorial coordinate system, the other being hour angle. The declination angle is measured north (positive) or south (negative) of the celestial equator, along the hour circle passing through the point in question.

AI overview

Declination is an astronomical measurement that describes how far north or south a celestial object appears in the sky, measured from an imaginary line called the celestial equator. This measurement is one of two coordinates astronomers use to pinpoint the exact location of stars and other objects in the sky, much like latitude and longitude are used to locate places on Earth.

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lower limit: -90
upper limit: 90

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Article

8 sections

Contents

Explanation
Effects of precession
Stars
Sun
Relation to latitude
See also
Notes and references
External links

right|thumb|350px| Right ascension and declination as seen on the inside of the [[celestial sphere. The primary direction of the system is the vernal equinox, the ascending node of the ecliptic (red) on the celestial equator (blue). Declination is measured northward or southward from the celestial equator, along the hour circle passing through the point in question.]]