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celestial pole
astronomy
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definition
- In astronomical map: The celestial sphere
…about a northern or southern celestial pole, the projection into space of Earth’s own poles. Equidistant from the two poles is the celestial equator; this great circle is the projection into space of Earth’s Equator.
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position on celestial sphere
- In celestial sphere
…at the north and south celestial poles, around which the heavens seem to turn. The plane of the Earth’s Equator, extended to infinity, marks the celestial equator. See also hour circle; ecliptic; zenith.
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precession of the equinoxes
- In precession of the equinoxes
…directions: the north and south celestial poles. Because of precession, these points trace out circles on the sky. Today the north celestial pole points to within just 1° of Polaris. It will point closest to Polaris about 2100 ce. In 12,000 years the north celestial pole will point about 5°…
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