Right Ascension in Astronomy

Right Ascension (RA) is a celestial coordinate used by astronomers to specify the position of objects in the sky, similar to how longitude works on Earth. It measures how far east an object is from a fixed point called the vernal equinox, along the celestial equator. RA is expressed in hours, minutes, and seconds, with 24 hours representing a full circle around the sky. This coordinate system helps astronomers pinpoint the location of stars, planets, and other celestial objects, enabling precise tracking and observation across different locations and times.