Heliometer (Noun)
Meaning
An instrument used to measure the angular separation of two stars that are too far apart to be included in the field of view of an ordinary telescope.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The heliometer was used by the astronomer to measure the angular separation of the binary star system, which was crucial for determining their orbital elements.
- By employing the heliometer, the researcher was able to make extremely precise measurements of the distances between celestial objects.
- In the late 19th century, astronomers developed the heliometer as a specialized tool to measure the positions and separations of double stars.
- The university's new observatory featured a state-of-the-art heliometer, which attracted prominent researchers from around the world.
- After making a series of measurements with the heliometer, the team of scientists was finally able to calculate the relative positions of the stars with unprecedented accuracy.