geocentric latitude

geography

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July 16, 2026

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Geocentric latitude is a measurement of a celestial body's position as seen from Earth's center. It can also refer to the angle between the celestial equator and a line from Earth's center to a point on its surface, distinguishing it from terrestrial latitude. While there are minor differences between geocentric, astronomical, and geographic latitudes, they all serve to define a location north or south of the Equator. The geocentric model, which places Earth at the center of the universe, was widely accepted until the 16th century before being replaced by heliocentric models.123

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latitude and longitude
Technical considerations
…are different kinds of latitude—geocentric, astronomical, and geographic (or geodetic)—but there are only minor differences between them. In most common references, geocentric latitude is implied. Given in degrees, minutes, and seconds, geocentric latitude is the arc (a curved line) that can be drawn along Earth’s surface, created by an…
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…are different kinds of latitude—geocentric, astronomical, and geographic (or geodetic)—but there are only minor differences between them. In most common references, geocentric latitude is implied. Given in degrees, minutes, and seconds, geocentric latitude is the arc (a curved line) that can be drawn along Earth’s surface, created by an…
Read More