sensible horizon

noun

, Astronomy.

1. horizon2a

sensible horizon

noun

1. See horizon

sensible horizon

/ sĕn′sə-bəl /

1. The plane of an observer's position lying at a right angle to the line formed by the observer's zenith and nadir. The plane of the sensible horizon is parallel to the plane of the observer's celestial horizon but is tangential to the Earth's surface rather than passing through the Earth's center. Both the celestial and sensible horizons change with the observer's position.
2. Compare celestial horizon

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensible horizon¹

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

“We’re giving people a terrible deal over any sensible horizon,” he told me.

From New York Times

Almost as soon as he was in possession of his purchased religion, he saw, at a great distance, a fire raging, which soon increased, so that it seemed to compass the whole sensible horizon.

From Project Gutenberg

The sensible horizon is that portion of the surface of the earth, to which our vision extends.

From Project Gutenberg

When viewed through a telescope the sensible horizon of the lake presented a billowy tumultuous appearance, fragments being incessantly detached from it and suspended in the air.

From Project Gutenberg

This is designated as the sensible horizon; the rational, or true one, being a great circle of the heavens, parallel to the sensible horizon, but passing through the centre of the earth.

From Project Gutenberg