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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zenith distance

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

Bradley had a zenith sector, and with this he observed with the greatest care the zenith distance of Gamma Draconis at every possible opportunity.

From Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by David Peck Todd

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

From Lectures in Navigation by Ernest Gallaudet Draper

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

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

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