celestial equator

noun

: the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles

Examples of celestial equator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This month's full moon coincides with the summer solstice, which happens as the sun hits the northernmost point from the celestial equator, making the start of summer. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2024

That's when the sun hits the northernmost point from the celestial equator and marks the official beginning of summer with the longest day of the year. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 6 June 2024

This equinox happens when the sun crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line above the Earth’s equator, going from south to north. —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024

This equinox happens when the sun, traveling from south to north, crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary plane that extends out into space from the Earth’s equator. —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

celestial equator

noun

: the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles