• Science • People
Non User
 • Locations • Timeline
Index: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Home > Longitude of the ascending node

The Longitude of the ascending node () is one of the orbital elements used to specify the orbit of an object in space. For a sun-orbiting body, it is the angle formed at the sun from the First Point of Aries to the body's ascending node.

Longitude of ascending node and other orbital parameters

1 Calculation from state vectors

In astrodynamics for elliptic orbits longitude of the ascending node is the angle between reference direction (e.g. vernal equinox) and the ascending node and can be calculated from orbital state vectors as:

(if then )

where:


For equatorial orbits (i.e. orbits with orbital inclination equal to zero) is undefined. For computations it is then by convention set to zero i.e. " ascending node" is placed in the reference direction which is equivalent to setting for right-handed system with the x-axis pointing towards the vernal equinox (or other reference direction) and the z-axis pointing upwards.

2 See also

Astronomy Astrodynamics

Read more »

Topics: Longitude Of The Ascending Node, Longitude Prize...

LongitudeMap of Earth showing vertical lines of longitude Longitude sometimes denoted λ, describes the location of a place on Earth east or west of a north-south line called the Prime Meridian. Longitude is given as an angular measurement ranging from 0° atLongitude prizeThe longitude prize was a prize offered by the British government in 1714 for the precise determination of a ship's longitude. The measurement of longitude was a problem that came into sharp focus as people began making transoceanic voyages. In one incideLongitude of the ascending nodeThe Longitude of the ascending node is one of the orbital elements used to specify the orbit of an object in space. For a sun-orbiting body, it is the angle formed at the sun from the First Point of Aries to the body's ascending node. orbital parameters C
Longitude of the periapsisLongitude of the periapsis is Calculation from state vectors can be calculated from longitude of ascending node and argument of periapsis : which are derived from orbital state vectors. Astrodynamics Celestial mechanics.  
Non User