Astronomy for Astrologers
Ecliptic Coordinate System
Ecliptic Coordinates - In this system, the ecliptic, or
plane through the Earth's orbit, is taken as the plane of
reference. The co-ordinates used are Celestial Latitude
(the perpendicular distance of the object from the
ecliptic in angular measurement) and Celestial
Longitude (the angular distance along the ecliptic—
between the plane, through the object and the First
Point of Aries). The Solstitial Colure is the great circle
which passes through the summer and winter solstices
(the hour circle of R.A. 90° and 270°).
Ecliptic Sphere - Also called the Zodiac Sphere, this is
the sphere resulting from projecting the plane of the
Earth's orbit, and the points (its poles) 90° north and
south of that plane.
Ecliptic Plane - The ecliptic is a plane that passes
through the centers of the Earth and the Sun. It