Astronomical Algorithms Tonight's night sky · animate time with Play
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Horizontal Coordinates

Azimuth and altitude — the observer's local horizon system.

Definition

The horizontal system uses the observer's local horizon as fundamental plane. Altitude (h) is angular height above the horizon (−90° to +90°). Azimuth (A) is the compass direction measured eastward from north (0°–360°).

Topocentric

Horizontal coordinates are topocentric — they depend on the observer's latitude, longitude and time. The same star has different alt-az at different locations or times.

3D illustration

Topocentric horizon view — azimuth and altitude from your location.

Use the menu and time controls to explore. Based on Jean Meeus' Astronomical Algorithms.