Celestial sphere — [ celestial equator.] In astronomy and navigation, the celestial sphere is an imaginary rotating sphere of gigantic radius , concentric and coaxial with the Earth. All objects in the sky can be thought of as lying upon the sphere. Projected from… … Wikipedia
celestial sphere — An imaginary sphere of infinite radius, centered at the center of the earth, on which the apparent motion of celestial bodies takes place. Because all stars are so far from an earthbound observer that they can be located solely by their direction … Aviation dictionary
celestial sphere — the imaginary spherical shell formed by the sky, usually represented as an infinite sphere, the center of which is a given observer s position. [1875 80] * * * Apparent surface of the heavens, on which the stars seem to be fixed. For the purpose… … Universalium
celestial sphere — n. an imaginary sphere of infinite extent on which all celestial objects appear to lie: the observer is always at its center … English World dictionary
celestial sphere — noun the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected • Syn: ↑sphere, ↑empyrean, ↑firmament, ↑heavens, ↑vault of heaven, ↑welkin • Derivationally related forms: ↑firmamental … Useful english dictionary
celestial sphere — noun Date: 1829 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 … New Collegiate Dictionary
celestial sphere — An imaginary sphere of infinite radius concentric with the Earth, on which all celestial bodies except the Earth are imagined to be projected … Military dictionary
celestial sphere — noun An abstract sphere of infinite radius which serves as the imaginary backdrop for celestial objects, and of which the visible sky is one hemisphere. Syn: empyrean, firmament … Wiktionary
celestial sphere — noun an imaginary sphere of which the observer is the centre and on which all celestial objects are considered to lie … English new terms dictionary
celestial sphere — celes′tial sphere′ n. astron. the imaginary, infinite sphere formed by the sky, the center of which is a given observer s position • Etymology: 1875–80 … From formal English to slang