celestial sphere

Definition of celestial sphere

: an imaginary sphere of infinite radius against which the celestial bodies appear to be projected and of which the apparent dome of the visible sky forms half

Examples of celestial sphere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The classical celestial spheres, depicted in a 17th century engraving. — Adam Kirsch, WSJ, "Our Quest for Meaning in the Heavens," 28 June 2019 Together, the cameras will stare at a vertical strip of the celestial sphere stretching from the pole to the equator, proceeding to a new strip every 27 days. — Amina Khan, latimes.com, "NASA is about to step up its planet-hunting game with the launch of TESS," 13 Apr. 2018 Pro-Plutonians recently suggested a new definition of a planet that would add the celestial sphere back to the solar system’s list of heavy hitters. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "New Definition Would Make the Moon and Pluto Planets," 3 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'celestial sphere.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Celestial sphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20sphere. Accessed 19 Feb. 2020.

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