IGNOU PHE 15 2014 - With proper sketches, explain the horizon coordinate system to locate

Question

With proper sketches, explain the horizon coordinate system to locate the position of a star. What are the shortcomings of this system ? How are these shortco mings removed in the universal equatorial system ?

26 Jun 2018

Answer :

Word Count : 727

The horizon coordinate system, also known as the horizontal coordinate system, is one of the local coordinate systems used in astronomy to locate celestial objects such as stars, planets, and other astronomical bodies. This system is based on the observer’s position on Earth and their local horizon, meaning the coordinate axes are tied directly to the observer's location and time.

### Horizon Coordinate System

In the horizon coordinate system, the position of a star is specified using two main coordinates:

1. Altitude (Alt): This is the angular distance of the star above or below the observer's local horizon. It is measured in degrees, ranging from 0° at the horizon to +90° at the zenith (the point directly overhead). If the star is below the horizon, the altitude is negative.

2. Azimuth (Az): This is the angular distance measured along the horizon from the North point (0°) through the East (90°), South (180°), and West (270°). Azimuth is measured in the plane of the observer’s horizon, with North being the reference direction.

To locate a star using the horizon coordinate system, an observer measures the altitude and azimuth angles. For example, a star might be located at an altitude of 30° above the horizon and an azimuth of 120° (East-Southeast).

The following steps are typically involved:

1. The observer determines the direction of North, South, East, and West on the horizon.
2. The altitude is measured as the angle between the star and the horizon.
3. The azimuth is measured from the North point (or a known reference direction) along the

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