Sky science
Altitude and Azimuth
Direct answer
Altitude and Azimuth are local sky coordinates: altitude measures angle above the horizon, while azimuth gives compass direction around the horizon.
Altitude and Azimuth locate an object by height above the horizon and compass bearing.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Astronomy, Skywatching, Celestial Sphere, Ecliptic
Altitude and Azimuth locate an object by height above the horizon and compass bearing.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.
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The story behind Altitude and Azimuth
Horizontal coordinates have long served practical observation, navigation, surveying, and instrument alignment.
A one-minute story
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Why Altitude and Azimuth matters
These coordinates translate a catalogue position into an instruction an observer can use. They change with time and location as Earth rotates.
How to read Altitude and Azimuth
Altitude and Azimuth speaks to live observing directions, always attaching the location and timestamp used for the calculation.
Altitude and Azimuth in practice: an example
An altitude of 30 degrees and azimuth of 180 degrees places an object about one-third of the way up the southern sky under the common north-through-east convention.
Where readings of Altitude and Azimuth go wrong
State the azimuth convention and do not reuse coordinates calculated for a different place or time.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Information Center - Official index for time, calendars, seasons, coordinates, and observable sky phenomena.
- NASA Science: Skywatching FAQ - NASA guidance on observing stars, planets, constellations, and the changing night sky.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Locate an object from your horizon
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Common questions
What is Altitude and Azimuth?
Altitude and Azimuth are local sky coordinates: altitude measures angle above the horizon, while azimuth gives compass direction around the horizon.
What do people get wrong about Altitude and Azimuth?
State the azimuth convention and do not reuse coordinates calculated for a different place or time.
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