In the celestial coordinate system, what does declination represent?

In the celestial coordinate system, declination represents the angular distance north or south of the celestial equator. Just as latitude measures how far north or south a location is from the equator on Earth, declination provides a way to express the position of celestial objects in relation to the celestial equator. Positive declinations indicate positions north of the celestial equator, while negative declinations indicate positions to the south. This concept is fundamental in astronomy for locating stars, planets, and other celestial bodies in the sky.

The other choices relate to different aspects or coordinates within the celestial sphere. While angular distance from the horizon pertains to altitude in a different context of celestial navigation, arc distance from the vernal equinox references right ascension, which is a measure of east-west positioning. The point where the sun crosses the celestial equator refers to the equinoxes, which are significant events in astronomy but do not describe declination itself.