celestial equator

Noun

Meaning

the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Examples

Explanatory Supplement (1992), sec. 1.233 Relationship to the celestial equator main The plane of Earth 's orbit projected in all directions forms the reference plane known as the ecliptic. Source: Internet

Celestial coordinate systems The vernal equinox occurs in March, about when the Sun crosses the celestial equator south to north. Source: Internet

Right ascension (abbreviated RA; symbol α) is the angular distance measured eastward along the celestial equator from the vernal equinox to the hour circle of the point in question. Source: Internet

Because that is when the sun crosses the celestial equator – the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator – from south to north. Source: Internet

For example, the Sun is north of the celestial equator for about 185 days of each year, and south of it for about 180 days. Source: Internet

Note that the ecliptic rotates by only about 7° during this time, whereas the celestial equator makes several complete cycles around the ecliptic. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms