lunar distance
The term "lunar distance" can refer to either a unit of length based on the Earth-Moon distance or an angular measurement used in celestial navigation.
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Definition
B2Astronomy
(technical)The average distance from the center of the Earth to the center of the Moon, approximately 384,399 kilometers.
Example
- Astronomers use the lunar distance to measure the proximity of near-Earth objects.
C1Navigation
(technical, historical)The angular measurement between the Moon and another celestial body, used to determine longitude.
Example
- Mariners historically relied on lunar distance to find their position at sea.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lunar distance":