parallactic ellipse

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the apparent ellipse, as seen against the background of more distant stars, described annually by a nearby star because of the earth's orbital motion around the sun. Compare parallax ( def 2 ).

Example Sentences

In a somewhat more popular manner, we would say that one thousand times the major axis of the very largest parallactic ellipse would not be as great as the diameter of the full moon.

From Project Gutenberg

At a certain date, which can be readily computed, the star is at one end of the parallactic ellipse, and six months later the star is at the other end.

From Project Gutenberg

In the technical language of astronomers, we speak of this as the parallactic ellipse, and it is by measuring the major axis of this ellipse that we determine the distance of the star from the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

If looked at edgeways it will be linear, if tilted a little it would be elliptic; but the ellipse would, even at that distance, be greater than the greatest parallactic ellipse of any star in the sky.

From Project Gutenberg

If a penny-piece were placed on this sphere, in front of each of the stars, every parallactic ellipse would be totally concealed.

From Project Gutenberg