How Can You Determine the Right Ascension of a Star with a Meridian Circle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the right ascension (R.A.) of a star using a meridian circle. The process involves measuring the transit time of a reference star with a known R.A. and comparing it to the transit time of the target star. The formula used is α = T when H=0, indicating the time of transit. Additionally, the Flamsteed method is mentioned as a potential approach for determining absolute R.A. without a reference star.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Horrebow-Talcott method for latitude determination
  • Familiarity with the concept of transit time in astronomy
  • Knowledge of right ascension and its significance in celestial navigation
  • Basic principles of the Flamsteed method for absolute right ascension calculation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Horrebow-Talcott method for precise latitude determination
  • Learn about the Flamsteed method for calculating absolute right ascension
  • Study the mechanics of meridian circles and their applications in astronomy
  • Explore the use of solar transits as a reference for determining right ascension
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in celestial navigation and the precise measurement of star positions.

JeffOCA
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Hi,

With a meridian circle, you can determine the latitude of your location (Horrebow-Talcott method) but also deriving time if you know the right ascension of a star.
However, I'd like to know how to determine right ascension of a star with a meridian circle.

If you know the right ascension of a reference star, you measure its transit time. Then, you measure the transit time of the second star (the star you want to know the right ascension) and then you add the difference of transit time to the right ascension of the reference star. So, you obtain the right ascension of the second star since \alpha = T when H=0 (at transit).

How to derive right ascension of a star when you have no other star with known R.A ? Can we use the transits of the Sun as a reference star since, near equinox, we can assume the Sun R.A to be known ?
I heard about the Flamsteed method to determine absolute R.A but I don't documents which explained it "quite easily".


Jeff
 
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Anyone ?
 
Jeff, you've asked a couple of very specific questions in this thread and some of your others that not many people will know. Don't be suprised if you don't get any hits.
 
Drakkith said:
Jeff, you've asked a couple of very specific questions in this thread and some of your others that not many people will know. Don't be suprised if you don't get any hits.

Ok, sorry.
 

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