diff --git a/src/hats/pixel_math/margin_bounding.py b/src/hats/pixel_math/margin_bounding.py
index 845ab22e..a6713c5b 100644
--- a/src/hats/pixel_math/margin_bounding.py
+++ b/src/hats/pixel_math/margin_bounding.py
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ def check_margin_bounds(r_asc, dec, pixel_order, pixel, margin_threshold, step=1
             points_coords = SkyCoord(ra=ra_matrix, dec=dec_matrix, unit="deg")
             bounds_coords = SkyCoord(ra=bounds_ra_matrix, dec=bounds_dec_matrix, unit="deg")
 
-            separations = points_coords.separation(bounds_coords).value
+            separations = points_coords.separation(bounds_coords).deg
 
             bisectors = np.apply_along_axis(
                 _find_minimum_distance,