Celestial Equator (Noun)
Meaning
The great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The celestial equator is an imaginary line that divides the celestial sphere into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.
- The position of a star or other celestial object is measured in declination, or its distance north or south of the celestial equator.
- In the celestial sphere, the celestial equator serves as the primary reference for determining the position of other objects in the sky.
- Due to the tilt of Earth's axis, the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator twice each year, marking the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinox.
- The celestial equator passes through many constellations, but some are more notable for being situated very close to or crossing it, like Cetus or Eridanus.