Converting galactical coordinates to horizontal/geographical coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of galactical coordinates to horizontal or geographical coordinates, specifically in the context of comparing the Orion belt constellation to the layout of the pyramids of Giza. The scope includes technical aspects of coordinate transformation relevant to astrophysics and historical alignment.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on converting galactical latitude and longitude to geographical coordinates for an astrophysics project comparing the Orion belt to the pyramids of Giza.
  • Another participant questions whether the conversion intended is from galactical coordinates to equatorial coordinates (right ascension and declination) and then to geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude).
  • A participant explains that in equatorial coordinates, declination corresponds to latitude, while right ascension relates to longitude expressed in hours, noting the difference in reference points for these coordinates.
  • A later reply reiterates the explanation of the relationship between equatorial coordinates and geographical coordinates, emphasizing the relevance of relative positions for graphing purposes.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their previous method and seeks advice on adjusting the projection of Orion's belt to align with the pyramids of Giza.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for converting coordinates, and there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the initial approach and the necessary adjustments for alignment.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific methods for coordinate conversion and the implications of different reference points in the coordinate systems discussed.

Tegalad
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Hello,

I am doing an astrophysics project about Orion belt constelation and the pyramids of Giza. I am interested in the myth that the three pyramids is an exact copy of Orion belt. How should I convert galactical latitude/longtitude to linear/geographical coordinates so I could compare the constellation graph to pictures of the pyramids. I just used galactical longtitude/latitude to draw a graph in Origin and then I put it on to picture, my teacher said that it could have big errors there.
 
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Tegalad said:
galactical latitude/longtitude to linear/geographical coordinates
Do you mean equatorial coordinates (right ascension and declination) to geographic (latitude and longitude)?
 
Bandersnatch said:
Do you mean equatorial coordinates (right ascension and declination) to geographic (latitude and longitude)?
In stellarium there are equatorial coordinates and galactical coordinates. I was using galactical coordinates. How should I convert equatorial coordinates to geographic?
 
In equatorial coordinates, declination corresponds* to latitude in geographic. Right ascension in terms of relative position corresponds to longitude expressed in hours, i.e. 360° is 24 hours (so 1 h is 360°/24=15°, and so on). The difference between RA and longitude is in where the 0th line is drawn (Greenwich on Earth vs vernal equinox on the celestial sphere), but as long as you're only interested in graphing relative positions of the stars and the pyramids, that should not interest you.

*in terms of a projection of one spherical surface onto the other
 
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Bandersnatch said:
In equatorial coordinates, declination corresponds* to latitude in geographic. Right ascension in terms of relative position corresponds to longitude expressed in hours, i.e. 360° is 24 hours (so 1 h is 360°/24=15°, and so on). The difference between RA and longitude is in where the 0th line is drawn (Greenwich on Earth vs vernal equinox on the celestial sphere), but as long as you're only interested in graphing relative positions of the stars and the pyramids, that should not interest you.

*in terms of a projection of one spherical surface onto the other
Thank you very much
 
It seems that I was doing it wrong. How could I change the position of Orions belt projection on Earth to the place of pyramids and then tighten it to match Giza pyramids?
 

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