galactic pole

noun

: either of the two opposite points of the celestial sphere that are at the greatest average distance from the Milky Way and are located one in the constellation of Coma Berenices and the other in the constellation of Sculptor

called also respectively north galactic pole, south galactic pole

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of galactic pole was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Galactic pole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galactic%20pole. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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