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celestial equator
noun
: the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles
Examples of celestial equator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At this time, the sun moves above the equator, where the two elliptic points and the celestial equator connect.
—Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 23 Sep. 2024
The spring equinox marks the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, heading northward.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024
This month's full moon coincides with the summer solstice, which happens as the sun hits the northernmost point from the celestial equator, making the start of summer.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2024
That's when the sun hits the northernmost point from the celestial equator and marks the official beginning of summer with the longest day of the year.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for celestial equator
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'celestial equator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1848, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of celestial equator was
in 1848
Dictionary Entries Near celestial equator
Cite this Entry
“Celestial equator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20equator. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
celestial equator
noun
: the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles
More from Merriam-Webster on celestial equator
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about celestial equator
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