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.

---

Etymology

Origin of zenith distance

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zenith distance

If zenith distance and declination are both North or both South, add them and the sum will be the latitude, N or S as indicated.

From Lectures in Navigation by Draper, Ernest Gallaudet

As the distance from the horizon to the zenith is 90°, the difference, or complement of the altitude, is called the zenith distance, or co-altitude.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 360, November 25, 1882 by Various

Your zenith distance is the distance in the celestial sphere you are from the sun.

From Lectures in Navigation by Draper, Ernest Gallaudet

Applying this deviation to the measured arc, the true zenith distance of the body is found.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 7 "Arundel, Thomas" to "Athens" by Various

No observations should be made near the horizon; and, when the objects examined are at any considerable zenith distance, stars differing several degrees in altitude should be avoided.

From A Plan for Securing Observations of the Variable Stars by Pickering, E. C.