Dec (Declination)

Declination, often abbreviated as Dec, is an important astronomical term that refers to the angle between an object in the sky and the celestial equator, similar to how latitude works on Earth. It is measured in degrees, with positive values indicating positions north of the equator and negative values for those to the south. Declination helps astronomers locate stars, planets, and other celestial objects in the sky, providing essential coordinates for navigation and observation. Understanding declination is crucial for stargazers, navigators, and anyone interested in astronomy.