How is trigonometry used in astronomy?

1 Answer
A. S. Adikesavan
Apr 16, 2016

Trigonometry is essential for astronomy, Besides 2-D trigonometry relating to triangles, spherical trigonometry, relating to spherical triangles, is also important in astronomy.

Explanation:

The planets' surfaces are nearly spherical.
Points on surface can be spotted by using spherical polar co-ordinates #(r, theta, phi)#, referred to the geometrical center, The angular co-ordinates here are longitude and latitude. Most of the formulas, used in related astronomical computation, are trigonometrical.,

Three great circles on the planet's surface form a spherical triangle. . Spherical trigonometry formulas connect the lengths of arcs of this triangle with the angles of the triangle. There is similarity between these formulas and 2-D formulas.

The ships over seas and the planes, at the top altitudes, trace nets of spherical triangles..

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