right ascension

noun

Astronomy.

1. the arc of the celestial equator measured eastward from the vernal equinox to the foot of the great circle passing through the celestial poles and a given point on the celestial sphere, expressed in degrees or hours.

right ascension

noun

1. α. astronomy the angular distance measured eastwards along the celestial equator from the vernal equinox to the point at which the celestial equator intersects a great circle passing through the celestial pole and the heavenly object in question Compare declination

right ascension

1. The position of a celestial object east of the vernal equinox along the celestial equator. Right ascension is measured in hours, minutes, and seconds from the vernal equinox (0 hours) to the point where a great circle drawn through the object and the north and south celestial poles intersects the celestial equator. Each hour corresponds to 15° of angular distance along the celestial equator for a total of 24 hours.

2. See more at equatorial coordinate system

Word History and Origins

Origin of right ascension¹

First recorded in 1585–95