English: Azimuth / Deutsch: Azimut / Español: Azimut / Português: Azimute / Français: Azimut / Italiano: Azimut /
The azimuth is the angle formed between a reference direction (in this example north) and a line from the observer to a point of interest projected on the same plane as the reference direction orthogonal to the zenith.
In the aerospace context, azimuth is a measure of an object's angular position in the horizontal plane, typically relative to true or magnetic north. It is used to describe the direction of an object (such as an aircraft, rocket, or satellite) in relation to a reference point on the earth.
Examples of azimuth in the aerospace context include:
- The azimuth of a rocket launch is the angle between true north and the direction of the launchpad. It is used to determine the trajectory of the rocket and to ensure that it is launched in the correct direction.
- The azimuth of a satellite in orbit is the angle between true north and the direction of the satellite's velocity vector. It is used to determine the satellite's position and to predict its movement over time.
- The azimuth of an aircraft in flight is the angle between true north and the aircraft's heading. It is used by air traffic control to track the aircraft's position and to ensure safe separation from other aircraft.
- The azimuth of a telescope or radar antenna is the angle between true north and the direction in which the telescope or antenna is pointing. It is used to aim the telescope or antenna at a specific object or location.
Azimuth is an important measure in aerospace navigation and tracking, it is used to ensure the safety of aircraft and spacecraft and to aim telescopes, radar and other instruments.