ALTITUDE ANGLE Meaning and
Definition
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Altitude angle refers to the angular measurement that determines the height or elevation of an object or point above a reference plane or horizontal level, usually the Earth's surface. It is commonly used in various fields such as astronomy, navigation, and aviation as a way to describe the vertical positioning of an object or point in relation to an observer or a fixed reference point.
In astronomy, the altitude angle represents the angular distance between a celestial object and the observer's horizon. It indicates how high or low the object appears in the sky, with a positive angle denoting an object above the horizon and a negative angle indicating its position below the horizon.
In navigation and aviation, the altitude angle is used to determine the height of an aircraft or a point in the atmosphere above mean sea level (MSL). It is measured by instruments such as altimeters, which calculate the pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure at a given point and a standard pressure at sea level. By comparing these differences, the altitude angle can be determined, providing valuable information for proper navigation, especially during takeoff, landing, and vertical navigation.
Overall, altitude angle plays a crucial role in understanding and determining the vertical position of an object or point with respect to a reference plane, enabling various applications in astronomy, navigation, aviation, and other related fields.
Etymology of ALTITUDE ANGLE
The etymology of the word "altitude" can be traced back to the Latin word "altitudo", which means "height" or "elevation".
The word "angle" has its origins in the Latin word "angulus", which means "corner" or "angle".
When these two words are combined, "altitude angle" refers to the measurement or degree of the vertical angle above the horizon, typically used in astronomy, aviation, and navigation to determine the height or elevation of an object or point in relation to a reference point.
