celestial longitude

noun, Astronomy

the angular distance of a point on the celestial sphere from the great circle that is perpendicular to the ecliptic at the point of the vernal equinox, measured through 360° eastward parallel to the ecliptic.

Examples from the web for celestial longitude

celestial longitude is measured in the ecliptic eastward from the vernal equinox.

British Dictionary definitions for celestial longitude

celestial longitude

noun

the angular distance measured eastwards from the vernal equinox to the intersection of the ecliptic with the great circle passing through a celestial body and the poles of the ecliptic Also called ecliptic longitude

celestial longitude in Science

celestial longitude
The position of a celestial object east of the vernal equinox along the ecliptic. Celestial longitude is measured in degrees eastward from the vernal equinox (0°) to the point where a great circle drawn through the object and the poles of the ecliptic intersects the ecliptic. Compare celestial latitude. See more at ecliptic coordinate system.