ra

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The word "ra" has a few different meanings based on the context in which it is used. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand:

1. In Astronomy:

• Definition: "Ra" stands for "right ascension," which is a way to measure the position of stars and other objects in the sky. It is measured eastward from a point called the vernal equinox, along the celestial equator.
• Usage: When astronomers want to find an object in the sky, they use right ascension (Ra) along with declination (Dec). Right ascension is usually expressed in hours, minutes, and seconds.
• Example: "The right ascension of the star Sirius is approximately 6 hours 45 minutes."

2. In Ancient Egyptian Mythology:

• Definition: "Ra" is the name of the ancient Egyptian sun god, often depicted with a hawk’s head. He was considered a universal creator and was very important in Egyptian mythology.
• Usage: When discussing ancient Egyptian beliefs, you might refer to Ra as a powerful deity or creator.
• Example: "In ancient Egypt, Ra was worshipped as the god of the sun."

3. As a Chemical Element:

• Definition: "Ra" is the symbol for radium, which is a radioactive metallic element found in small amounts in uranium ores.
• Usage: In scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, "Ra" refers to radium.
• Example: "Radium (Ra) was once used in luminous paints but is now handled with caution due to its radioactivity."

Word Variants:

• Right Ascension: Often abbreviated as "RA."
• Radium: The full name of the element with the symbol "Ra."

Synonyms:

• For right ascension: None directly, but it can be loosely associated with celestial coordinates.
• For Ra (the god): None, but he may sometimes be referred to as "the sun god."
• For Radium: None, but it is in the group of radioactive elements.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use "ra" in these contexts. However, when discussing celestial navigation, you might use phrases like "chart the stars" or "locate celestial bodies."

Advanced Usage:

• In astronomy, "right ascension" is crucial for astronomers when they map the sky and track celestial events. Understanding it requires knowledge of spherical coordinates.
• In discussions about mythology, Ra's significance can be explored in relation to other deities and the role of sun worship in ancient cultures.

Summary:

"Ra" can refer to a method of locating stars in the sky (right ascension), an important god in ancient Egyptian mythology, or a radioactive element in chemistry.

Academic

Noun

1. (astronomy) the equatorial coordinate specifying the angle, measured eastward along the celestial equator, from the vernal equinox to the intersection of the hour circle that passes through an object in the sky; usually expressed in hours and minutes and seconds; used with declination to specify positions on the celestial sphere
   • one hour of right ascension equals fifteen degrees
2. ancient Egyptian sun god with the head of a hawk; a universal creator; he merged with the god Amen as Amen-Ra to become the king of the gods
3. an intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores

Synonyms

• right ascension
• RA
• celestial longitude
• Ra
• Re
• radium
• atomic number 88