Celestial Horizon (Noun)
Meaning
The great circle on the celestial sphere whose plane passes through the sensible horizon and the center of the Earth.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The line where the sky appears to meet the Earth is the sensible horizon, and it serves as a reference point for the celestial horizon.
- When using celestial navigation, the relationship between the celestial horizon and the observer's location on Earth is crucial for determining position.
- From any location on the planet, the celestial horizon marks the circle on the celestial sphere that passes through the observer's sensible horizon.
- In astronomy, the position of celestial objects is often described relative to the celestial horizon and the zenith, or point directly overhead.
- By combining observations of the celestial horizon with measurements of the Sun's altitude, sailors can determine their latitude at sea.