declination


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The measure in degrees of the position of a celestial object north or south of the celestial equator. If an object is on the celestial equator, it has a declination of 0 degrees, and if it is on the north or south celestial pole, it has a declination of +90 degrees or –90 degrees. Declination is analogous to latitude on the Earth, which measures terrestrial positions north or south of the equator. right ascension and declination together comprise a coordinate system that allows astronomers to locate objects in the sky.