Definition:Azimuth

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Definition

Azimuth (Polar Coordinates)

Another name for the angular coordinate in a system of polar coordinates:


The angle measured anticlockwise from the polar axis to $OP$ is called the angular coordinate of $P$, and usually labelled $\theta$.

If the angle is measured clockwise from the polar axis to $OP$, its value is considered negative.


Azimuth (Astronomy)

Let $X$ be a point on the celestial sphere.

The spherical angle between the principal vertical circle and the vertical circle on which $X$ lies is the azimuth of $X$.

The azimuth is usually measured in degrees, $0 \degrees$ to $180 \degrees$ either west or east, depending on whether $X$ lies on the eastern or western hemisphere of the celestial sphere.