Definition:Latitude (Celestial)

Definition
Let $P$ be a point on the celestial sphere.

The celestial latitude of $P$ is the angle subtended by the the arc of the vertical circle through $P$ between $P$ and the ecliptic.

If $P$ is closer to the north ecliptic pole, the celestial latitude is defined as latitude $\beta \degrees$ north, where $\beta \degrees$ denotes $\beta$ degrees (of arc), written $\beta \degrees \, \mathrm N$.

If $P$ is closer to the south ecliptic pole, the celestial latitude is defined as latitude $\beta \degrees$ south, written $\beta \degrees \, \mathrm S$.

At the north ecliptic pole, the celestial latitude is $90 \degrees \, \mathrm N$.

At the south ecliptic pole, the celestial latitude is $90 \degrees \, \mathrm S$.

Also known as
The term celestial latitude is also seen as ecliptic latitude.

Also see

 * Definition:Celestial Longitude