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Galactic Coordinates

When describing the position of a star within the MW, it is useful to use Galactic Coordinates $ (l,b)$, $ 0^o\le l\le 360^o$, and $ -90^o\le
b\le 90^o$. From the vantage point of the Sun, the direction to the galactic centre is taken to be $ l=0$, $ l=180^o$ is the ante-centre, and $ b=0$ corresponds to the galactic plane. $ b=\pm 90^o$ to the galactic poles. Use spherical trigonometry to convert between $ (l,b)$ and right ascension $ \alpha $ and declination $ \delta$. The celestial equator is inclined wrt the plane of the MW, hence the planes $ \delta=0$ and $ b=0$ do not coincide.



Tom Theuns
平成19年2月7日