AZIMUTH CIRCLE Meaning and
Definition
-
An azimuth circle refers to a navigational instrument that is used to measure the azimuth or bearing of a celestial body, typically the Sun or a star, at a particular location. It is used primarily in astronomy and marine navigation to determine the direction or angle of an object relative to the observer's position.
The azimuth circle consists of a graduated circle marked in degrees, usually ranging from 0° to 360°, with 0° being the north or the reference point. It is usually mounted on a telescope or a compass, allowing for precise measurements.
To determine the azimuth of a celestial body, the observer aligns the circle with the object by pointing the telescope or compass towards it. The azimuth is then read off the circle where the reference line aligns with the degree markings. This provides the observer with the angle or direction at which the celestial body is located with respect to their position.
Azimuth circles are often used in conjunction with other celestial navigation tools, such as sextants or theodolites, to accurately determine positions and establish navigational routes. They are particularly useful in situations where precise measurements are required, especially for marine navigation and determining the position of stars or other celestial bodies.
Common Misspellings for AZIMUTH CIRCLE
- zzimuth circle
- szimuth circle
- wzimuth circle
- qzimuth circle
- aximuth circle
- asimuth circle
- aaimuth circle
- azumuth circle
- azjmuth circle
- azkmuth circle
- azomuth circle
- az9muth circle
- az8muth circle
- azinuth circle
- azikuth circle
- azijuth circle
- azimyth circle
- azimhth circle
- azimjth circle
- azimith circle
Etymology of AZIMUTH CIRCLE
The word "azimuth" comes from the Arabic word "as-sumūt", which means "the ways" or "the paths". This term was used in medieval Islamic astronomy to refer to the horizontal coordinate system used to locate celestial objects. The term was later borrowed into Latin as "azimuthum" and eventually into English as "azimuth".
The word "circle" is derived from the Latin word "circulus", meaning "a round figure or hoop". It refers to a geometric shape that is perfectly round and symmetrical.
Therefore, the term "azimuth circle" combines the Arabic term "azimuth" with the Latin term "circle" to describe a device used in astronomy and navigation to measure and plot the azimuth angle or direction of a celestial object relative to a reference point on the celestial sphere.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
