rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydeclinationCelestial position
noun

declination

Angular distance north or south of the celestial equator.

The chart lists each star's declination in degrees north or south.

Etymology
declinationLatinbend away; incline

The Latin root concerns inclination away from a reference direction. Astronomy applies it to an object’s angular position north or south of the celestial equator.

More examples

  • A star on the celestial equator has a declination of zero degrees.
  • The astronomer compares the declinations of two nearby stars.
  • The sun's declination changes as Earth moves around it.

Forms

declination · declinations