Which coordinates should be used to record where stars appears in the night sky
Altitude and azimuth
To record where stars appear in the night sky, astronomers use a system of coordinates known as the equatorial coordinate system. This system uses two coordinates: right ascension and declination.
Right ascension is measured in hours, minutes, and seconds from the vernal equinox, which is the point in the sky where the sun crosses the celestial equator at the beginning of spring. It is measured from east to west along the celestial equator.
Declination is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds north or south of the celestial equator. It is measured from 0 degrees at the celestial equator to 90 degrees at the north celestial pole and -90 degrees at the south celestial pole.
To locate a star in the night sky using the equatorial coordinate system, an astronomer will need to know the star’s right ascension and declination. These coordinates can be found in an astronomical database or calculated using telescopes and specialized software.
More Answers:
Equinoxes: Exploring their Scientific Significance and Global ImpactEcliptic: The Importance of the Apparent Path of the Sun on the Celestial Sphere.
Celestial Coordinates: Precisely Locating Stars on the Celestial Sphere using Right Ascension and Declination.