Proper Motion

The proper motion of a star is its angular change in position over time as seen from the center of mass of the solar system. It is measured in seconds of arc per year, arcsec/yr, where 3600 arcseconds equal one degree. This contrasts with radial velocity, which is the time rate of change in distance toward or away from the viewer, usually measured by Doppler shift of received radiation. The proper motion is not entirely "proper" (that is, intrinsic to the star) because it includes a component due to the motion of the solar system itself. Due to the constant, and unvarying speed of light (that is also constant; without regard to whatever is the velocity of the eminating or reflecting source), the true (i.e., instantaneous) velocities of distant stars cannot be observed; the observed proper motion reflects the motion (velocity) of a star at the time the light was emitted from that source.

Read more about Proper Motion:  Introduction, Usefulness in Astronomy, History, Stars With High Proper Motion, Software

Famous quotes containing the words proper and/or motion:

    A proper autobiography is a death-bed confession. A true man finds so much work to do that he has no time to contemplate his yesterdays; for to-day and to-morrow are here, with their impatient tasks. The world is so busy, too, that it cannot afford to study any man’s unfinished work; for the end may prove it a failure, and the world needs masterpieces.
    Mary Antin (1881–1949)

    When desire, having rejected reason and overpowered judgment which leads to right, is set in the direction of the pleasure which beauty can inspire, and when again under the influence of its kindred desires it is moved with violent motion towards the beauty of corporeal forms, it acquires a surname from this very violent motion, and is called love.
    Socrates (469–399 B.C.)