celestial equator
noun Astronomy, Navigation.
the great circle of the celestial sphere, lying in the same plane as the earth's equator.
Origin of celestial equator
First recorded in 1870–75
Words nearby celestial equator
celesta,
celeste,
celestial,
celestial city,
celestial empire,
celestial equator,
celestial globe,
celestial guidance,
celestial hierarchy,
celestial horizon,
celestial latitude
British Dictionary definitions for celestial equator
celestial equator
noun
the great circle lying on the celestial sphere the plane of which is perpendicular to the line joining the north and south celestial poles
Also called: equinoctial, equinoctial circle
Scientific definitions for celestial equator
celestial equator
A great circle separating the northern and southern hemispheres of the celestial sphere and lying in the same plane as the Earth's equator. The celestial equator is a projection of the Earth's equator outward onto the celestial sphere and is used as the reference point in determining a celestial body's declination.