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vertical circle
vertical circle A form of meridian circle which can be rotated about a vertical axis so that observations may be made in two orientations 180 ° apart. Zenith distance is measured by combining the circle readings on a star in the two orientations; the change in the instrumental zero point between orientations is measured by a spirit level.
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"vertical circle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "vertical circle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-verticalcircle.html "vertical circle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-verticalcircle.html |
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vertical circle
vertical circle in astronomy, the great circle on the celestial sphere that passes from the observer's zenith through a given celestial body. In the altazimuth coordinate system the altitude of a body is measured along its vertical circle. |
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Cite this article
"vertical circle." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "vertical circle." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-vertcirc.html "vertical circle." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-vertcirc.html |
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