galactic equator

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the great circle on the celestial sphere that is equidistant from the galactic poles, being inclined approximately 62° to the celestial equator and lying about one degree north of the center line of the Milky Way.

galactic equator

noun

1. the great circle on the celestial sphere containing the galactic plane

Word History and Origins

Origin of galactic equator¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The Milky Way itself, Mr. Stratonoff considers to be an agglomeration of immense condensations, or stellar clouds, which are scattered round the region of the galactic equator.

From Project Gutenberg

The galactic equator has nothing to do with anything on earth.

From Washington Post

All roads seem to point towards the earth's position within the galaxy as it prepares to cross the plane of the galactic equator.

From Washington Post

On the contrary we find only 6 in the galactic equator squares and 12 in the other squares.

From Project Gutenberg

Regarding their distribution in the sky we find 11 in the galactic equator squares and 7 outside.

From Project Gutenberg