lunar distance

American  

noun

Navigation.

1. the observed angle between the moon and another celestial body.

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Etymology

Origin of lunar distance

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Neglecting atmospheric effects, what is the size of the spot this beam would make on the Moon, assuming a lunar distance of 3.84×108 m ?

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

In its later life, the Board supported the two successful methods of finding longitude at sea - chronometer and lunar distance - and broadened its remit into other fields.

From The Guardian • Jul. 18, 2013

Dee taught Raleigh and Drake "the perfect art of navigation" for calculating longitude from lunar distance observation, which helped facilitate the establishment of the British Empire.

From The Guardian • Jun. 25, 2012

The day was cloudy, but cleared at night, and I took sights for time, latitude, and lunar distance.

From Journals of Australian Explorations by Gregory, Augustus Charles