equatorial plane

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. the plane passing through the equator of the earth or another celestial body.

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Etymology

Origin of equatorial plane

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

"In conventional theory, the charge polarity in the equatorial plane and above the polar regions should be the same. Why, then, do we see opposite polarities between these regions? This can actually be explained by the motion of plasma," explains corresponding author Yusuke Ebihara of Kyoto University.

From Science Daily

In the equatorial plane of the black hole, the researchers' calculations revealed intense reconnection activity, leading to the formation of a chain of plasmoids - a condensation of plasma in energetic "bubbles" - moving at nearly the speed of light.

From Science Daily

Jovian polar regions are not visible from Earth owing to Jupiter’s low axial tilt, and were poorly characterized by previous missions because the trajectories of these missions did not venture far from Jupiter’s equatorial plane.

From Nature

Since November, the probe has been climbing higher relative to Saturn’s equatorial plane, providing a new vantage point on the planet’s outer rings.

From Nature

Most are slightly inclined relative to that midline, moving above their sun’s equatorial plane at one part of their orbit and below it at another.

From Time