Celestial sphere: Quick Facts

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figure illustrating the apparent motions of the Sun and the Moon on the celestial sphere

Celestial coordinates seen by an observer in mid-northern latitudes. His celestial meridian is a great circle passing through his zenith and the poles. His astronomical horizon meets the celestial sphere at infinity.

A diagram of the celestial sphere with Earth at the center, showing the celestial equator, ecliptic, and labeled positions of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, as well as the north celestial and ecliptic poles.

Earth's celestial sphere: Stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies

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Topics

Almucantar astrolabon Armillary sphere Ecliptic Horizon Zenith celestial equator celestial pole celestial meridian Nadir Astronomical map Star catalog Celestial globe

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