Abstract
In observational astronomy we are dealing with the Celestial Sphere, which is non-euclidian. Hence, astronomers use the non Cartesian Alt-Az and Equatorial coordinate system to point telescopes and identify objects. The non-euclidian nature of our observations means that we have to use spherical geometry when measuring the position of objects in the sky.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
As well as others that are beyond the scope of this book.
- 2.
Technically stars that are also never visible are also Circumpolar but this term is hardly ever used in this context.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Gallaway, M. (2016). Spheres and Coordinates. In: An Introduction to Observational Astrophysics. Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23377-2_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23377-2_5
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-23376-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-23377-2
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyPhysics and Astronomy (R0)