Geocentric Coordinate System Does not Imply Geocentrism

In astronomy, we use a celestial coordinate system to specify the position of celestial objects, like satellites, planets, stars, etc. Each of the coordinate systems has an origin, which can be the observer (topocentric), Earth (geocentric), the Sun (heliocentric), the Moon (selenocentric), or any other location. We choose a specific coordinate origin according to convenience and suitability for the problem at hand.

Some coordinate systems are described as “geocentric,” and flat-Earthers use it as “proof” of geocentrism, or that Earth is stationary and the center of the universe. In reality, it is just the origin of the coordinate. “Geocentric” here means Earth is the origin of the coordinate system. As we live on Earth, a geocentric coordinate is useful for many purposes.

The most commonly used geocentric coordinate system is the equatorial coordinate system, whose origin is the center of the Earth. The position of a celestial object is expressed using a pair:

  • Declination: the angle between the object and the celestial equator.
  • Right ascension: the angle of the object from the vernal equinox.

We use a geocentric coordinate system because we live on Earth and it is useful for many purposes. It has nothing to do with geocentrism, the superseded description of the universe.

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