Astronomy

Azimuth – Definition and How to Calculate Azimuth?

Azimuth

Azimuth refers to the angular distance from the north or south point of the horizon to the vertical circle’s foot through a heavenly body. This angular distance and its calculation certainly have important applications in physics. Students can learn more about azimuth and the way to calculate it here.

Meaning of Azimuth

It refers to angle measurement in a spherical coordinate system. Furthermore, there is a perpendicular projection of the vector on a reference plane from an origin or observer to a point of interest.

Most noteworthy, the angle which is between the vector on the reference plane and the projected vector is this angular measurement. This angular measurement refers to the direction of a particular object in the sky.

Moreover, its measurement takes place in degrees. Furthermore, the altitude refers to the height of an object above the horizon.

The angular distance and altitude both certainly show change over time. This is certainly due to the rotation of the Earth.

azimuth

Navigation of an Azimuth

In land navigation, the denotation of this angular measurement is by alpha, α. Furthermore, it is defined as a horizontal angle whose measurement takes place clockwise from a north baseline or meridian.

This angular measurement also has a horizontal angle whose measurement takes place clockwise from any fixed reference plane or easily established base direction line.

Currently, the reference plane for this angular measurement is certainly true north which is measured as a 0° azimuth. However, the use of other angular units (grad, mil) can also take place.

Moving clockwise on a 360-degree circle, east would have an azimuth 90°. Also, the south would be180° and the west 270°.

Furthermore, there are some navigation systems which use the south as the reference vector. Most noteworthy, any direction can be the reference vector if its definition is clear.

Way of Calculating Azimuth

The way of calculating this angular distance has been explained as follows:

Using a compass- This helps in determining the north direction. Furthermore, it also provides a zero degree point for this angular measurement.

Pointing Compass in the object’s direction- An individual must turn the compass in the direction of the object. This means turning the compass in the direction with the azimuth one intends to measure. Most noteworthy, the object’s azimuth is the degree reading which occurs on the compass.

Locating the North Star- One must locate the North Star Polaris after the dark. Furthermore, this is for the purpose of calculating this angular measurement. Moreover, the North Star is almost exactly north and hence the a is of zero degrees.

Find the distance between the North Star and the object- One must find the distance between the object and the North Star.

Furthermore, the measurement of this distance must take place in degrees. So, if the object is in the east, then the object’s azimuth would equal the distance to the east of the object.

For example, the location of a star 45 degrees east of due north carries an azimuth of certainly 45 degrees.

Calculate azimuths- An object which is west of the North Star, the azimuth, in this case, happens to be 360 degrees minus the distance which was measured.

Most noteworthy, one must make use of the following formula for the purpose of azimuth calculation to the west: Z = 360 – d, where “Z” is the azimuth one intends to find, and “d” is the distance in the form of degrees from due north.

Solved Question For You

Q1 Which of the steps does not occur in the calculation of azimuth?

A. Locating the star Proxima Centauri
B. Using a compass
C. Pointing Compass in the object’s direction
D. Find the distance between the North Star and the object

A1 The correct option is A., which is “locating the star Proxima Centauri.”

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