Sagittarius A* coordinates

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In summary, Sagittarius A* is located in the Sagittarius constellation at Right Ascension 17h 45m 40.0409s and Declination −29° 0′ 28.118″. The J2000 position was determined using the Hipparcos satellite. The coordinates can be converted to different epochs using coordinate converters. The apparent motion of Sagittarius A* is approximately 6.411 mas per year along the galactic plane and 0.219 mas along the pole.
  • #1
Philosophaie
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The Center of the Milky Way Galaxy is located at Sagittarius A*.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittarius_A*
The J2000 position is:
Right ascension 17h 45m 40.0409s
Declination −29° 0′ 28.118″
Distance 25,900 ± 1,400 ly

How do you find the Right Ascension and Declination for other Julian Century Dates?
Are there Keplerian Elements for the Galactic Center with time?
 
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There are coordinate converters such as this one which will calculate the effects of precession and convert to coordinates for a given observation time. Do you understand the effects of precession and what such a conversion is doing? What are you going to do with the new coordinates? Your question on Keplerian Elements seems confused. Keplerian Elements are for an object in orbit. What do you think Sgr A* is orbiting around?
 
  • #3
phyzguy said:
There are coordinate converters such as this one which will calculate the effects of precession and convert to coordinates for a given observation time. Do you understand the effects of precession and what such a conversion is doing? What are you going to do with the new coordinates? Your question on Keplerian Elements seems confused. Keplerian Elements are for an object in orbit. What do you think Sgr A* is orbiting around?

Srg A* does have an apparent motion, most of which likely relates to the sun revolving around the galaxy. Numbers vary acvording to source, but it is approximately 6.411 mas (milli-arc seconds) per year along the galactic plane, and 0.219 mas along the pole the pole. The inquiry referenced Kepler, and as the phyzguy responded, that doesn't really come into play for Sgr A* [from our observation point of reference]. Nevertheless, Sgr A* does change its apparent position at the small rates I noted. As such, the crux of the question [where to find the coirdinates for Sgr A* at different J-dates] remains unanswered. I myself have been trying to find the same data, and have thus far failed as well. That search brought me to this forum. Does anyone know where this data exists. If not J-date, at least for the annual epochs. It's easy to find the coordinates for J2000 (but observed coordinates from direct observations for 2020, 2005, 1998, etc., are difficult to find [I can't believe they are non-existent]).
 

1. What are the coordinates of Sagittarius A*?

The coordinates of Sagittarius A* are approximately right ascension 17h 45m 40.0409s and declination -29° 00' 28.118" (J2000 epoch).

2. How were the coordinates of Sagittarius A* determined?

The coordinates of Sagittarius A* were determined through various observations and measurements from different instruments and techniques, such as radio interferometry and infrared imaging.

3. Are the coordinates of Sagittarius A* constant or do they change over time?

The coordinates of Sagittarius A* are not fixed and do change over time. This is due to the fact that Sagittarius A* is a supermassive black hole, which is constantly pulling in matter and emitting powerful radiation that can affect its coordinates.

4. What is the significance of the coordinates of Sagittarius A*?

The coordinates of Sagittarius A* are significant because it is the location of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. It is also one of the closest known black holes to Earth and serves as an important target for scientific research and study.

5. Can the coordinates of Sagittarius A* be used for navigation purposes?

No, the coordinates of Sagittarius A* cannot be used for navigation purposes. They are specific to the astronomical location of the supermassive black hole and are not relevant for navigation on Earth. The coordinates are also constantly changing, making them unreliable for navigation purposes.

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