Calculating position in space?

Thread starter chis
Start date Oct 25, 2010
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Position Space

In summary, to calculate the position of an object in space, you need to know its distance, direction or angle, and altitude. The reference point used is usually the Earth's center or the observer's location. To convert coordinates to latitude and longitude, you need to know the observer's location and orientation of the coordinate system. Absolute position refers to the exact location in relation to a fixed point, while relative position is in relation to another object. There are different coordinate systems used for calculating position in space, such as equatorial, ecliptic, and galactic coordinates.

Oct 25, 2010

chis

How do you calculate your position and speed in space?
How many points of reference do you need?

Thanks
Chris

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Oct 27, 2010

Chronos

Science Advisor

Gold Member

Basically you need 5, given any point in space: x, y, z, time since the BB, and the Hubble constant.

Oct 29, 2010

Phobos

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

Gold Member

And an arbitrary 0,0,0 reference point in space?

Related to Calculating position in space?

1. How do you calculate the position of an object in space?

To calculate the position of an object in space, you will need to know its distance from a reference point, its direction or angle from that reference point, and its altitude or elevation angle. These parameters can be obtained through various methods such as using telescopes, radar, or satellite imaging.

2. What is the reference point used when calculating position in space?

The reference point used for calculating position in space is usually the Earth's center or the observer's location on the Earth's surface. This provides a fixed point from which distances and angles can be measured.

3. How do you convert coordinates in space to latitude and longitude?

In order to convert coordinates in space to latitude and longitude, you will need to know the location of the observer and the orientation of the coordinate system being used. Once you have this information, you can use mathematical equations to convert the coordinates to latitude and longitude.

4. What is the difference between absolute and relative position in space?

Absolute position in space refers to the exact location of an object in relation to a fixed reference point, while relative position refers to the position of an object in relation to another object. For example, the absolute position of a satellite in space would be its distance and direction from the Earth's center, while its relative position would be its distance and direction from another satellite.

5. Are there different coordinate systems used for calculating position in space?

Yes, there are multiple coordinate systems used for calculating position in space, each with its own set of parameters and orientation. Some commonly used coordinate systems include equatorial coordinates, ecliptic coordinates, and galactic coordinates.