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
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Conversely, the winter solstice takes place when the sun is in its southernmost position relative to the celestial equator. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 June 2025 The vernal equinox, also known as the March equinox, occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 This happens during a two-year period when the moon's orbit is the most tilted compared to Earth's celestial equator, essentially Earth's equator projected into space. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 12 June 2025 In the summer, full moons appear lower in the sky due to the moon’s orbit being below the celestial equator. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for celestial equator

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celestial equator was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Celestial equator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20equator. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

celestial equator

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

More from Merriam-Webster on celestial equator

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