celestial equator

noun, Astronomy, Navigation

the great circle of the celestial sphere, lying in the same plane as the earth's equator.

Also called equator, equinoctial, equinoctial circle, equinoctial line.

Origin

1870-75

Examples from the web for celestial equator

Declination is often used to orient to the stars, in relationship to the celestial equator.
Attached to the inside of this ring is a wide band dedicated with the signs of the zodiac and representing the celestial equator.

British Dictionary definitions for celestial equator

celestial equator

noun

the great circle lying on the celestial sphere the plane of which is perpendicular to the line joining the north and south celestial poles Also called equinoctial, equinoctial circle

celestial equator in Science

celestial equator
A great circle separating the northern and southern hemispheres of the celestial sphere and lying in the same plane as the Earth's equator. The celestial equator is a projection of the Earth's equator outward onto the celestial sphere and is used as the reference point in determining a celestial body's declination.