right ascension
noun Astronomy.
the arc of the celestial equator measured eastward from the vernal equinox to the foot of the great circle passing through the celestial poles and a given point on the celestial sphere, expressed in degrees or hours.
Origin of right ascension
First recorded in 1585–95
Words nearby right ascension
British Dictionary definitions for right ascension
right ascension
noun
astronomy
the angular distance measured eastwards along the celestial equator from the vernal equinox to the point at which the celestial equator intersects a great circle passing through the celestial pole and the heavenly object in question
Symbol: α Compare declination (def. 1)
Scientific definitions for right ascension
right ascension
The position of a celestial object east of the vernal equinox along the celestial equator. Right ascension is measured in hours, minutes, and seconds from the vernal equinox (0 hours) to the point where a great circle drawn through the object and the north and south celestial poles intersects the celestial equator. Each hour corresponds to 15° of angular distance along the celestial equator for a total of 24 hours. See more at equatorial coordinate system.