The equatorial system of coordinates (Right Ascension and
declination) is the one most often used.
But the galactic system is sometimes more useful,
e.g. for seeing how objects are distributed with respect to the galactic
plane.
In this system, the fundamental great circle is the
galactic equator,
which is the intersection of the galactic plane with celestial sphere,
with corresponding galactic poles.
We define the North Galactic Pole as that pole in same hemisphere as the
North Celestial Pole.
The positions of the poles were determined
by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1959.
To fix the galactic coordinates of object X,
draw a great circle between the two galactic poles, passing through X.
The galactic latitude (b) of object X is the angular
distance on this circle from galactic equator to X,
from - 90° at South Galactic Pole to +90° at North Galactic Pole.
The zero-point for longitude is the centre of galaxy;
again, the position was fixed by the IAU.
The galactic longitude (l) of object X is the angular distance
around the galactic equator from the centre of the galaxy to the great circle
through X,
measured eastwards 0-360°.
Although later research may come up with better values
for the positions of the galactic poles and the centre of the galaxy,
the IAU values will still be used to determine this coordinate system.
To convert between galactic and equatorial coordinates,
draw the spherical triangle with points at P (North Celestial Pole), G (North
Galactic Pole) and X,
and apply the sine and cosine rules.
Exercise:
The North Galactic Pole is at Right Ascension
12h49m, declination +27°24'.
What is the tilt of the galactic plane to the celestial equator?
Click here for the
answer.