RA = Right ascension; the distance on the celestial sphere eastward along the celestial equator from the reference equinox to the meridian of the object. RA is analogous to longitude, with the plane containing the equinox defining zero RA much as the Greenwich meridian defines zero longitude. There are different types of RA, depending on what coordinate system and aberrations are requested. Values are expressed in sexagesimal time units of hours, minutes, and seconds OR decimal angular degrees, as requested.

DEC = Declination; the angular distance on the celestial sphere north (positive) or south (negative) of the celestial equator. It is analogous to latitude. As with RA, there are different types of DEC depending on what coordinate system and aberrations are requested. Usually expressed in decimal