galactic equator

galactic equator
the great circle on the celestial sphere that is equidistant from the galactic poles, being inclined approximately 62° to the celestial equator and lying about one degree north of the center line of the Milky Way. Also called galactic circle.
[1885-90]

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • galactic equator — noun : the great circle of the celestial sphere halfway between the galactic poles parallel to and about 1 degree north of the center line of the Milky Way and inclined about 62 degrees to the celestial equator …   Useful english dictionary

  • galactic equator — /gəˌlæktɪk əˈkweɪtə/ (say guh.laktik uh kwaytuh) noun → galactic circle …  

  • galactic equator — noun Astronomy the great circle of the celestial sphere passing as closely as possible through the densest parts of the Milky Way …   English new terms dictionary

  • galactic — ► ADJECTIVE 1) relating to a galaxy or galaxies. 2) Astronomy measured relative to the galactic equator …   English terms dictionary

  • galactic coordinate — In astronomy, a galactic latitude or longitude, useful for describing the relative positions and motions of components of the Milky Way Galaxy. Galactic latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the plane of the Milky Way. Galactic… …   Universalium

  • Galactic coordinate system — Artist s depiction of the Milky Way galaxy, showing the galactic longitude relative to the sun. The galactic coordinate system (GCS) is a celestial coordinate system which is centered on the Sun and is aligned with the apparent center of the… …   Wikipedia

  • Galactic Alignment — The galactic alignment can refer to several different astronomical and astrological phenomena. One common galactic alignment refers to an alignment between the December solstice sun with the equator of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The galactic… …   Wikipedia

  • galactic longitude — noun : longitude in the system of galactic coordinates measured in degrees eastward from the point where the galactic equator crosses the celestial equator in the constellation Aquila * * * Astron. the angular distance in degrees measured… …   Useful english dictionary

  • galactic latitude — noun : latitude in the system of galactic coordinates measured as distance north or south of the galactic equator * * * Astron. the angular distance from the galactic equator of a point on the celestial sphere. [1905 10] * * * galactic latitude,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • galactic plane — Astron. the plane of the galactic equator. [1840 50] * * * galactic plane noun The plane that passes through the centre of the bulging disc formed by the spiral arms of the Galaxy • • • Main Entry: ↑galaxy * * * galactic plane, the plane of the… …   Useful english dictionary

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