What is the meaning of right ascension?

noun

  • Astronomy) the equatorial coordinate specifying the angle, measured eastward along the celestial equator, from the vernal equinox to the intersection of the hour circle that passes through an object in the sky; usually expressed in hours and minutes and seconds; used with declination to specify positions on the celestial sphere. (
    • usage: "one hour of right ascension equals fifteen degrees"
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APAWordNet. (2010). right ascension. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/right_ascension/definitions/1224451
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "right ascension" http://smartdefine.org/right_ascension/definitions/1224451 (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, right ascension, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/right_ascension/definitions/1224451>.
MLAWordNet. "right ascension" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/right_ascension/definitions/1224451>