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

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

Then the zenith distance is the distance from your zenith to the center of the sun.

From Lectures in Navigation by Draper, Ernest Gallaudet

Hence, having secured the true meridian altitude of the sun, you have only to subtract it from 90� to find your zenith distance, i.e., how far 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

Mark it ND�L V. Add the NS to the ND�L, and the result will be the Natural Haversine of the calculated zenith distance.

From Lectures in Navigation by Draper, Ernest Gallaudet