celestial sphere
The 'celestial sphere' is an imaginary sphere used in astronomy to map the positions of celestial objects in the sky.
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Definition
C1Astronomy
(technical, academic)An imaginary sphere of infinite radius centered on Earth, used to represent the positions of celestial objects.
Example
- Astronomers use the celestial sphere to track the movement of stars and planets.
- The celestial sphere helps in understanding the apparent motion of celestial bodies across the sky.
C1Navigation
(technical)A conceptual tool used to describe the positions of stars and other celestial bodies for navigation purposes.
Example
- Navigators rely on the celestial sphere to determine their position at sea.
- Using the celestial sphere, sailors can find their way by observing the stars.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "celestial sphere":
crystal sphereheavenly bodyspherical geometrymusic of the spheres