DCG20063 – ASTRONOMY

TOPIC 3
At the end of this topic, students will be able to:
3.1 Illustrate horizontal topocentric coordinate
3.2 Illustrate and equatorial geocentric coordinates
3.3 Describe the elements of PZS Triangle
3.4 Solve astronomical triangle problems
In Geodetic Astronomy, the position of a star on the celestial
sphere is determined by the astronomical coordinate system
3.2
3.1 TOPOCENTRIC COORDINATE SYSTEM
Properties
a. Origin – Observer or observation station (known as
Topocentric).
b. Main reference plane – Celestial horizon
c. Second reference plane – Observer’s meridian/Celestial
meridian
d. Coordinate parameters – Altitude (α) and Azimuth (Az). For
example; If S is a star on a celestial sphere at a time, the
position of this star is determined by its Altitude and
Azimuth.
Definition
a. Altitude (α) – is the angle measured from the celestial
horizon upwards to celestial object, ends at Zenith. The
great circle formed is known as Altitude Circle. The
complementary angle of Altitude is called Zenith distance
(ξ).
b. Azimuth (Az) – is the angle measured along the horizon
circle, from North clockwise to the Altitude Circle contains
the celestial object with value from 0° to 360°.
GEOCENTRIC COORDINATE SYSTEM
Properties
a. Origin – Earth centre
b. Main reference plane – Celestial equator
c. Second reference plane – Declination circle
d. Coordinate parameters – Right Ascension (RA) and
Declination (δ). For example: If S is a star on a celestial
sphere at a time, its RA and Declination determine the
position of this star.
DECLINATION
CIRCLE

RA
Altitude
SOUTH NORTH
Circle POINT CELESTIAL POINT
HORIZON
South North
20 N

10 EQUATOR

Figure 3.2: Geocentric Coordinate System

Figure 3.1: Topocentric Coordinate System

 Celestial
Definition sphere
a. Right Ascension (RA) – is an angle between the Declination
Circle and First Point of Aries (γ), measured along the Altitude
celestial equator, from the First Point of Aries, anti- Prime Circle
clockwise to the Declination Circle of the celestial object Vertical
from 0hr to 24hr.
b. Declination (δ) – is an angle measured along the
Declination Circle, from the equator upwards to the celestial
object, ends at NCP or downwards to the celestial object,
and ends at SCP from 0° to 90°. It has positive value if the
celestial object is above the equator and vice versa.

3.3 ASTRONOMICAL TRIANGLE (PSZ)

a. Astronomical triangle is a spherical triangle formed by three

great circles known as meridian circle, vertical circle and .
Declination
declination circle.
b. The astronomic triangle contains Zenith, Celestial Pole and Circle
celestial objects (E.g. Star).
c. The sides of the triangle are zenith distance, polar distance
and co-latitude.
d. The inner angles for astronomical triangle are Azimuth,
Hour angle and Paralactic angle. Figure 3.4: Astronomical Triangle on the celestial sphere

Z EXERCISE

(Az) Exe.1: Given the Right Ascension of a star is 8hrs and the Declination
Azimuth is 60°N. Draw the diagram showing the position of the star.
Zenith Co-latitude
Distance P= 900 - δ Exe.2: The altitude of the Sun is 28°N and the bearing is 79° 12’.
Name the coordinate system of the sun and draw the diagram.
Z = 900 - α
Exe.3: Determine the declination and hour angle for a star based on
t the following information:
p Latitude of the observer : 48° 30’ N
S P= 900 - δ Hour Azimuth of the star : 50° E
Polar Angle Altitude of the star : 28° 24’ N
Distance

Figure 3.3: Astronomical Triangle