Reference frame · J2000.0
The J2000 Epoch
The standard reference epoch of modern astronomy — noon on 1 January 2000, in Terrestrial Time. Because the sky's apparent frame drifts with precession, coordinates and orbital elements are stated for a fixed epoch, and J2000.0 is the one in near-universal use.
Highlights
- ›The reference instant of modern astronomy
Bodies, frames & concepts
Across celestial mechanics
Knowledge connections
- Associated withOrbital Elements
- Associated withThe International Celestial Reference System
- Associated withThe International Celestial Reference System
- Associated withTerrestrial Time
- Associated withThe B1950 Epoch
- Associated withTerrestrial Time
- Associated withThe Equatorial Coordinate System
- Associated withThe Fifth Fundamental Catalogue (FK5)
- Associated withJulian Date
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- IAUInternational Astronomical Union
Official naming, definitions, constellation boundaries, and astronomical nomenclature.