Ecliptic longitude (celestial longitude) is one of the co-ordinates which can be used to define the location of an astronomical object on the celestial sphere in ecliptic coordinates. In this system, the celestial sphere is divided into two hemispheres by the plane of the ecliptic. See also Lists of astronomical objects Category: ... The celestial sphere is divided by the celestial equator. ... The ecliptic coordinate system is a celestial coordinate system that uses the ecliptic for its fundamental plane. ... A sphere (< Greek ÏÏαίÏα) is a perfectly symmetrical geometrical object. ... The plane of the ecliptic is well seen in this picture from the 1994 lunar prospecting Clementine spacecraft. ...
The ecliptic is the path followed by the sun across the celestial sphere during the year. It crosses the celestial equator twice during the year, once at the Autumnal equinox and once at the Vernal equinox. There is no obvious point along the ecliptic at which ecliptic longitude should be zero, and so zero is arbitrarily defined as the location of the sun at Vernal equinox. Ecliptic longitude is then the angular distance of the object eastwards along the ecliptic from this point. The celestial equator is a great circle on the imaginary celestial sphere, which could be constructed by inflating the Earths equator until it intersects with said sphere. ... Illumination of Earth by Sun on the day of equinox The autumnal equinox (or fall equinox) marks the beginning of astronomical autumn. ... Illumination of Earth by Sun on the day of equinox The vernal equinox (or spring equinox) marks the beginning of astronomical spring. ... Illumination of Earth by Sun on the day of equinox The vernal equinox (or spring equinox) marks the beginning of astronomical spring. ...
Ecliptic co-ordinates are most useful for solar system objects. The solar system comprises the Earths Sun and the retinue of celestial objects gravitationally bound to it. ...
Ecliptic longitude is also known as Solar longitude. In ecliptic coordinate system, it is an angle between Earth and Vernal equinox.
Eclipticlongitude (celestial longitude) is one of the co-ordinates which can be used to define the location of an astronomical object on the celestial sphere in ecliptic coordinates.
The ecliptic is the path followed by the sun across the celestial sphere during the year.
Eclipticlongitude is then the angular distance of the object eastwards along the ecliptic from this point.
Eclipticlongitude, usually indicated with the letter λ, is measured from this point on 0° to 360° towards the east.
Ecliptic latitude, usually indicated with the letter β is measured +90° to the north or -90° to the south.
The intersection line of the ecliptical plane and the orbital plane is called the nodal line, and the intersection points on the celestial sphere are the ascending node (where the planet crosses the ecliptic from south to north) and the diametrically opposite descending node.