celestial pole

noun

, Astronomy.

1. each of the two points in which the extended axis of the earth cuts the celestial sphere and about which the stars seem to revolve.

celestial pole

noun

1. either of the two points at which the earth's axis, extended to infinity, would intersect the celestial sphere Sometimes shortened topole

celestial pole

1. Either of the two points at which a northward or southward projection of the Earth's axis intersects the celestial sphere. The north and south celestial poles are analogous to Earth's geographic poles and are used in determining right ascension in the equatorial coordinate system . Depending on which hemisphere an observer is in, the stars and other celestial objects appear to revolve once around the north or south celestial pole every 24 hours, an effect produced by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Because of the precession of Earth's axis, the celestial poles gradually shift position in the sky over a nearly 26,000-year cycle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of celestial pole¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

For most observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Great Bear is close enough to the north celestial pole that it never sets below the horizon, and it rotates around the North Star once a day.

From National Geographic

Through the use of long exposures, the trails depict the rotation of the Earth on its axis centring on the north celestial pole, the sky moving anti-clockwise around this point.

From Time

That’s the year when Polaris will be closest to its celestial pole.

From The Guardian

The title of the second-season premiere is “Axis Mundi,” a place that, in certain belief systems, acts as a celestial pole, the connection of heaven and Earth, where messages may ascend and disseminate.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a popular idea with some people that the Pole Star is the nearest of all the stars to the celestial pole.

From Project Gutenberg