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celestial pole
noun
, Astronomy.
- each of the two points in which the extended axis of the earth cuts the celestial sphere and about which the stars seem to revolve.
celestial pole
noun
- either of the two points at which the earth's axis, extended to infinity, would intersect the celestial sphere Sometimes shortened topole
celestial pole
- Either of the two points at which a northward or southward projection of the Earth's axis intersects the celestial sphere. The north and south celestial poles are analogous to Earth's geographic poles and are used in determining right ascension in the equatorial coordinate system . Depending on which hemisphere an observer is in, the stars and other celestial objects appear to revolve once around the north or south celestial pole every 24 hours, an effect produced by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Because of the precession of Earth's axis, the celestial poles gradually shift position in the sky over a nearly 26,000-year cycle.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of celestial pole1
First recorded in 1900–05
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Example Sentences
This is a double star of the first magnitude, which, being only 30 from the south celestial pole, never rises in our latitudes.
From Project Gutenberg
Were the position of the latter invariable, the celestial pole would move round it in a circle.
From Project Gutenberg
This motion of the celestial pole results in a corresponding revolution of the equinox around the celestial sphere.
From Project Gutenberg
The angle through the celestial pole, between these two positions, is double the polar distance.
From Project Gutenberg
With one hand Hatteras was holding it; with the other he was pointing to the zenith, the celestial pole.
From Project Gutenberg
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