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.
Also called pole.

Origin of celestial pole

First recorded in 1900–05

Words nearby celestial pole

celestial longitude, celestial marriage, celestial mechanics, celestial meridian, celestial navigation, celestial pole, celestial sphere, celestine i, celestine ii, celestine iii, celestine iv

British Dictionary definitions for celestial pole

celestial pole

noun

either of the two points at which the earth's axis, extended to infinity, would intersect the celestial sphere Sometimes shortened to: pole

Scientific definitions for celestial pole

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.