heliometer

[ hee-lee-om-i-ter ]

/ ˌhi liˈɒm ɪ tər /

a telescope with a divided, adjustable objective, formerly used to measure small angular distances, as those between celestial bodies.

Origin of heliometer

First recorded in 1745–55; helio- + -meter

he·li·o·met·ric

[hee-lee-uh-me-trik] /ˌhi li əˈmɛ trɪk/, he·li·o·met·ri·cal, adjective he·li·o·met·ri·cal·ly, adverb

To sum up briefly the history of the development of the heliometer.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 |Various
In 1824 the great Knigsberg heliometer was commenced, and it was completed in 1829.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 |Various
These two traditional methods were supplemented in 1874 by the camera and the heliometer.

A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century |Agnes M. (Agnes Mary) Clerke
He also invented a heliometer, afterwards perfected by Fraunhofer.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 3 |Various

The instrument he is to use should be that marvellous piece of mechanical and optical skill known as the heliometer.

The Story of the Heavens |Robert Stawell Ball

heliometer

/ (ˌhiːlɪˈɒmɪtə) /

a refracting telescope having a split objective lens that is used to determine very small angular distances between celestial bodies

heliometric (ˌhiːlɪəʊˈmɛtrɪk) or heliometrical, adjective heliometrically, adverb heliometry, noun