In the galactic coordinate system, the reference is a plane through the sun parallel to the mean plane of the galaxy. By specifying the orientation of the north galactic pole in terms of its equatorial coordinates, equatorial coordinates can be converted into galactic coordinates, and vice versa, using transformation equations on a pocket calculator.
Latitude in this system is given in degrees, + toward the north galactic pole, - toward the south galactic pole. Longitude is measured along the galactic equator to the east from the galactic center, with 0° at the intersection of the galactic equator with the celestial equator.
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