fixed star

noun

, Astronomy.

1. any of the stars which apparently always retain the same position in respect to one another.

fixed star

noun

1. any of the stars in the Ptolemaic system, all of which were thought to be attached to an outer crystal sphere thus explaining their apparent lack of movement
2. an extremely distant star whose position appears to be almost stationary over a long period of time

fixed star

/ fĭkst /

1. A star or other celestial object so distant from Earth that its position in relation to other stars appears not to change over time. The fixed stars, which include virtually all visible objects beyond the solar system, form the background against which the motions of the Sun, planets, and other bodies of the solar system are measured, and they provide the reference for determining sidereal time. In actuality, no celestial object has a fixed position in relation to any other, and the movement of so-called fixed stars can be measured by precise observation over long periods of time.
2. See more at proper motion

Word History and Origins

Origin of fixed star¹

First recorded in 1555–65

Example Sentences

I assumed the nearest fixed star to be the first station in Paradise and the first soul to have started thirty thousand years ago.

From Project Gutenberg

The Captain sat at the head of the table; next him was the fixed star Dūspeptos, with Satellite stationary on the right quarter.

From Project Gutenberg

I know where flames the fixed star of certainty and success.

From Project Gutenberg

But they may see our sun as we do theirs, in appearance a fixed star?

From Project Gutenberg

There is a fixed star situated near that spot, which is hence called the north polar star.

From Project Gutenberg