Solar System: Extension

Maps made from the Sun's perspective use a different type of coordinates. These coordinates are called ecliptic coordinates. The coordinates are ecliptic longitude (instead of RA) and ecliptic latitude (instead of Dec).

Ecliptic coordinates are better than RA and Dec for studying the Solar System because they allow you to look at the planets and asteroids from the perspective of the Sun, and the planets and asteroids orbit the Sun.

Research Challenge. Make another map of the Solar System, using asteroids from the Minor Planet Center's database, with ecliptic coordinates instead of RA and Dec. To do this, choose Ecliptic longitude and latitude from the Solar System Search Form.

Solar System Search Form (link opens in new window)

Use a spreadsheet program to make your map. What do you see? Is that what you expected to see?

What about asteroids near the top and bottom of your graph? If you made a similar graph six months or a year later, where do you think those asteroids would be?