zenith distance

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. the angular distance from the zenith of a point on the celestial sphere to the sphere, measured along a great circle that is perpendicular to the horizon; the complement of the altitude.

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Etymology

Origin of zenith distance

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zenith distance

Accordingly, an observation of the temperature produced by solar radiation at a zenith distance whose secant is twice that of the secant of 17° 12', viz.,

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 458, October 11, 1884 by Various

The zenith distance of any point or celestial body is its angular distance from the zenith of the observer.

From Lectures in Navigation by Draper, Ernest Gallaudet

A name formerly given to a peculiar sea-quadrant, because the back of the observer was turned towards the sun at the time of observing its zenith distance.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

The difference observed was 12 minutes 55 seconds, which arose no doubt from the uncertainty of the refraction for a zenith distance, of which observations are wanting.

From Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 1 by Ross, Thomasina

Two extremely sensitive levels are attached to the telescope, which latter carries a micrometer in its eye-piece, with a screw of long range for measuring differences of zenith distance.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 "Geodesy" to "Geometry" by Various