Celestial Pole (Noun)
Meaning
One of two points of intersection of the Earth's axis and the celestial sphere.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The Earth's axis of rotation intersects the celestial sphere at two points, known as the celestial poles, around which the stars appear to rotate.
- Astronomers use the positions of the celestial poles as a basis for their coordinate system.
- The celestial pole, located in Ursa Minor, is aligned with the North Star, making it a useful navigational aid.
- Located near the celestial pole, the star Polaris is often used as a point of reference for determining one's position.
- The movement of the celestial poles due to the precession of the equinoxes means that the position of the North Star will shift over time.