Horizontal coordinate system facts for kids

Horizontal coordinates use a celestial sphere centered on the observer. Azimuth is measured eastward from the north point (sometimes from the south point) of the horizon; altitude is the angle above the horizon.

The horizontal coordinate system, also known as topocentric coordinate system, is a celestial coordinate system that uses the observer's horizon (where they are now) as the fundamental plane.

The horizontal coordinate system is fixed to a location on Earth, not the stars. Therefore, the altitude of an object in the sky changes with time, as the object appears to drift across the sky with Earth's rotation.

A sunset over the horizon of the Mojave Desert, California, USA

See also

In Spanish: Coordenadas horizontales para niños