zenith distance

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the angular distance from the zenith of a point on the celestial sphere to the sphere, measured along a great circle that is perpendicular to the horizon; the complement of the altitude.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zenith distance¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

He certainly found an annual variation of zenith distance, but not at the times of year required by the parallax.

From Project Gutenberg

Subtract this calculated zenith distance from 90 to get the calculated altitude.

From Project Gutenberg

Zenith distance is the distance in degrees, minutes and seconds from your zenith to the center of the observed body.

From Project Gutenberg

The zenith distance of any point or celestial body is its angular distance from the zenith of the observer.

From Project Gutenberg

The last case is where you are, say, 10 N of the sun (your zenith Distance is 10) and the sun is in 20 S declination.

From Project Gutenberg