I think it is solving a spherical triangle and appears in books on celestial navigation.Aisling Kelly said:I was reading through some questions online and one asked the reader to calculate the distance between a star and Zenith given Sidereal Time 17hrs, RA*=16hr30mins, DEC*=50degrees. Could someone explain to me how you would do this please? There were no examples and so far I haven't managed to find one online.
Thanks in advance! :)
The formula for calculating the distance between a star and Zenith is d = 90° - A, where d is the distance and A is the altitude of the star.
The altitude of a star can be measured using a tool called a sextant, which uses the angle between the horizon and the star to determine its altitude. Alternatively, you can use a star chart and a protractor to estimate the altitude.
Yes, this formula can be used for any star as long as you have the accurate altitude measurement of the star.
The altitude measurement should be in degrees. If you are using a sextant, it will display the altitude in degrees. If you are using a star chart and protractor, make sure to use a protractor with degree markings.
This formula can provide an accurate estimation of the distance between a star and Zenith, but it may not be 100% accurate due to factors such as atmospheric refraction. It is always best to use multiple measurements and methods to ensure a more precise result.