Equatorial Coordinates


General Description

This program simulates the position of a star in equatorial (Right Ascension/Declination --- RA/Dec) coordinates. The horizon is shown along with the four cardinal directions (N, E, S, and W). The Latitude slider changes the latitude of the observer which is shown by the change in the (teal) celestial pole relative to the northern horizon. The position of the star can be changed by using the Right Ascension and Declination sliders. Once these coordinates are selected, pressing the play button will put the star, celestial grid, and the equatorial coordinates in motion to simulate the 23 hour and 56 minute motion of stars in the night sky.

This simulation is part of a sequence of simulations used to introduce students to local coordinates, equatorial coordinates, and the celestial globe. These additional simulations can also be found on the OSP ComPADRE site.

Local Coordinates Frame


Controls


Mario Belloni (mabelloni@davidson.edu) Todd K. Timberlake (ttimberlake@berry.edu)