celestial point
celestial points
Definitions of celestial point
noun
a point in the heavens (on the celestial sphere)
see more see less
examples:
north celestial pole
the celestial pole above the northern hemisphere; near Polaris
south celestial pole
the celestial pole above the southern hemisphere
types:
show 23 types...
hide 23 types...
apex , apex of the sun's way , solar apex
the point on the celestial sphere toward which the sun and solar system appear to be moving relative to the fixed stars
antapex
the point opposite in direction from the solar apex; the point the solar system is moving away from
apoapsis , point of apoapsis
(astronomy) the point in an orbit farthest from the body being orbited
node
(astronomy) a point where an orbit crosses a plane
equinoctial point , equinox
(astronomy) either of the two celestial points at which the celestial equator intersects the ecliptic
culmination
(astronomy) a heavenly body's highest celestial point above an observer's horizon
nadir
the point below the observer that is directly opposite the zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
periapsis , point of periapsis
(astronomy) the point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited
celestial pole , pole
one of two points of intersection of the Earth's axis and the celestial sphere
zenith
the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
exaltation
the location of a planet in the zodiac at which it is believed to exert its maximum influence
apogee
apoapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is at the greatest distance from the Earth
aphelion
apoapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet that is at the greatest distance from the sun
apojove
apoapsis in orbit around Jupiter
apolune , aposelene
apoapsis in orbit around the moon
ascending node
the point at which an orbit crosses the ecliptic plane going north
vernal equinox
(astronomy) the equinoctial point that lies in the constellation of Pisces
autumnal equinox
(astronomy) the equinoctial point that lies in the constellation of Virgo
descending node
the point at which an orbit crosses the ecliptic plane going south
perigee
periapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is nearest to the Earth
perihelion
periapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet where it is nearest to the sun
perijove
periapsis in orbit around Jupiter
perilune , periselene
periapsis in orbit around the moon
type of:
point
the precise location of something; a spatially limited location
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word
‘celestial point' .
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of
Vocabulary.com or its editors.
Send us feedback
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Look up celestial point for the last time
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the
words you need to know.
Sign up now (it’s free!)
Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.
Get started