On Earth, we don't need reference points, because we only travel in 2-dimensional space (left/right, and forward/backward). In outer space, however, not only do you throw in another dimension (up/down), but you also need a reference point to figure out which way is up, down, left, right, forward, and/or backward.
How do they figure this out? I know they use degrees as coordinates, but I'm wondering what their reference point is - the sun? And if they use the sun as a reference point, in 3-dimensional space, how would they know if it's above, below, in front of, or in back of them?
Do they just figure out where the Earth should be in relation to the sun, according to what the date/season is, and then base their coordinates for traveling everwhere else on that? What if they're nowhere near earth - how do you know which way is which?
2007-01-22
03:50:21
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8 answers
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asked by
absolut_sicilian
2