galactic plane

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the plane of the galactic equator.

galactic plane

noun

1. the plane passing through the spiral arms of the Galaxy

Word History and Origins

Origin of galactic plane¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

In the 1950s, astronomers first spotted a radio wave-emitting arc hanging above — or to the “north” of — the galactic plane.

From Quanta Magazine

As we ascend from the galactic plane we perceive that the density decreases with great rapidity.

From Project Gutenberg