Table of Contents
Are there directions in space?
There is an up and down in space. “Down” is simply the direction gravity is pulling you, and “up” is just the opposite direction. Since there is gravity everywhere in space, there is also an up and down everywhere in space. If you are in space and the earth is the nearest astronomical object, you fall towards earth.
What’s under the Earth in space?
“Above” and “below” are determined by an external gravitational field. Earth is flying through space, for sure, but this space does have a gravitational center – the Sun. In this sense, below the Earth (or rather below Earth’s gravity well) we have Venus, Mercury and, at the very bottom, the Sun itself.
Is space the same in all directions?
This map, produced using data collected by the Planck satellite, shows a map of the light left over from the big bang. (Image credit: ESA/Planck Collaboration.) The universe, it turns out, looks the same in every direction.
What are Google Earth driving directions and how to use them?
Google Earth’s Driving Directions are somehow similar to the ones implemented in Google Maps, the web-based mapping solution also powered by the Mountain View giant. Moreover, they can be used by following the same steps, but most people prefer to install Google Earth to access the function from their desktop.
Why do celestial coordinates change with the equinox?
Unlike Earth coordinates, celestial coordinates change due to the slow wobble of Earth’s axis called precession. Precession causes the equinox points to drift westward at a rate of 50.3 arcseconds annually. As the equinox shifts, it drags the coordinate grid with it.
What’s the best way to find new comets and Nova?
RA and Dec. also come in super-handy if you have a Go To telescope and a new comet or nova is discovered. Just input its coordinates, hit enter, and you’re there.
Can you describe the location of stars using an azimuth angle?
At the North Pole, for example, it is easy to find the Polaris, the North Star. It is very close to the zenith position, so you have to look straight up to see it. However, you will not be able to describe the location of any other star using an azimuth angle because all of them are south of Polaris.