Plane of reference

In celestial mechanics, the plane of reference is the plane used to define orbital elements (positions). The two main orbital elements that are measured with respect to the plane of reference are the inclination and the longitude of the ascending node.

Depending on the type of body being described, there are four different kinds of reference planes that are typically used:

On the plane of reference, a zero-point must be defined from which the angles of longitude are measured. This is usually defined as the point on the celestial sphere where the plane crosses the prime hour circle (the hour circle occupied by the First Point of Aries), also known as the equinox.