right ascension

This term is a specialized technical coordinate used in astronomy and celestial navigation. It functions as the celestial equivalent of longitude on Earth, allowing astronomers to pinpoint the exact location of a star or planet on the celestial sphere.

Because it is measured along the celestial equator, it is conventionally expressed in units of time (hours, minutes, and seconds) rather than degrees. This convention stems from the Earth's rotation, where 24 hours of right ascension correspond to one full 360-degree rotation of the sky.