Right ascension or RA is also the celestial equivalent of a terrestrial longitude. Both of them, the right ascension and the terrestrial longitude actually measure an angle that increases towards the east when measured from a zero point on an equator. For terrestrial longitude, the zero point would be the Prime Meridian on the geographic equator. As for right ascension, the zero point would be what’s known as the first point of Aries. For those unfamiliar with this it is the place in the sky where the Sun passes the celestial equator during the March equinox.

For Right ascension, you may use any units of angular measure. However, it is typically measured using hours, minutes, and seconds, with 24 hours or 1 day being it’s equivalent of a full circle. . Without Right ascension and declination astronomers would not be able to accurately determine certain points in our sky. Needless to say, it is one of the most important tools in astronomy.

Right Ascension

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