What is the measure of how far north or south an object is from the celestial equator called?

The measure of how far north or south an object is from the celestial equator is known as declination. Declination is expressed in degrees, with the celestial equator at 0 degrees, and values increasing towards the poles, where the North Celestial Pole is at +90 degrees and the South Celestial Pole at -90 degrees. It is a key concept in celestial navigation and astronomy, assisting in pinpointing the position of celestial bodies in the sky.

Latitude, on the other hand, refers specifically to the geographical coordinate that indicates north-south position on Earth, which relates more to physical locations on the planet rather than celestial measurements. Longitude determines east-west positioning, while elevation pertains to height above a reference point, typically sea level. Understanding the distinction among these terms clarifies their specific applications in geographic and celestial contexts.