Equinoctial Circle (Noun)
Meaning
The great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The equinoctial circle is an imaginary line that divides the celestial sphere into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.
- Astronomers use the equinoctial circle as a reference point to locate celestial objects in the night sky.
- The equinoctial circle is also known as the celestial equator and is used to measure the declination of stars and other celestial objects.
- During the equinoxes, the Sun appears to cross the equinoctial circle, marking the beginning of spring and autumn.
- The equinoctial circle is a fundamental concept in astronomy and is used to define the coordinates of celestial objects on the celestial sphere.