right ascension

noun

: the arc of the celestial equator between the vernal equinox and the point where the hour circle through a given body intersects the equator reckoned eastward commonly in terms of the corresponding interval of sidereal time in hours, minutes, and seconds

Examples of right ascension in a Sentence

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Declination and right ascension are the two primary axes of the celestial sphere. Reece Rogers, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of right ascension was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Right ascension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right%20ascension. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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