If we use the galactic coordinate system to locate objects within the Galaxy, we can identify the north galactic pole (NGP) as the point where the galactic latitude ( b ) = +90 degrees.
The
NGP lies along a line that passes through the observer and is perpendicular to the
galactic equator. At the other end of this line is the
south galactic pole with
b = -90 degrees.
The number
density of
stars decreases as we look from the
galactic centre towards the
galactic poles, as we are looking out of the disk of the
Milky Way.
The
NGP is located in the
constellation Coma Berenices, with
celestial coordinates (
epoch J2000.0):
| RA = 12h 51m 26.00s | Dec = +27d 7m 42.0s |