Declination

Declination (dec) is an astronomical term associated with the equatorial coordinate system. Dec is comparable to latitude, projected unto the celestial sphere, and is measured in degrees north of the celestial equator. Therefore, points north of the celestial equator have positive declination, while those to the south have negative declination.

Clarification

• An object on the celestial equator has a dec of 0°.
• An object above the north pole has a dec of 90°.
• An object above the south pole has a dec of -90°.

See also: right ascension

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Declination is used in some contexts that rule out astronomical declination, to mean the same as magnetic declination.