The word "ephemeris" refers to a table of values that indicate the positions of astronomical objects in the sky at specific times. The correct spelling of this word is /ɪˈfɛmərɪs/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "ph" in "ephemeris" is pronounced like an "f," while the "e" in the first syllable is pronounced like an "i." The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced like an "e," and the final "s" is pronounced like a "z."
An ephemeris can be defined as a reference book or table that provides the positions and movements of celestial bodies, such as planets, stars, and other astronomical objects, at specific times or intervals. It is essentially a detailed almanac for astronomers and navigators, serving as a reliable tool to determine the precise positions of celestial bodies in the sky for various purposes.
The ephemeris typically includes crucial data such as the coordinates of celestial objects, their daily or monthly positions, and their apparent magnitudes. It accounts for the dynamic nature of these objects due to their orbits and gravitational interactions, allowing astronomers to accurately predict their locations at a given time.
One of the primary applications of an ephemeris is in celestial navigation, where it aids in determining the position of a ship or aircraft by using celestial bodies as a reference point. By consulting the ephemeris, navigators can calculate the angle between the horizon and a celestial body and thus pinpoint their location on Earth.
Additionally, ephemerides are indispensable tools for astronomers, planetary scientists, astrologers, and even amateur stargazers. They facilitate the planning and observation of celestial events, such as eclipses, conjunctions, and the transits of planets. Ephemerides have been developed and refined throughout history, contributing significantly to our understanding of the cosmos and the precise tracking of astronomical phenomena.
A daily account; an almanac containing the daily positions of the sun, moon, and planets, with useful information respecting the other heavenly bodies, and of such phenomena as depend upon them; a table of the positions of a heavenly body, as the ephemeris of the sun.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ephemeris" is derived from the Greek word "ephēmeros" (ἐφήμερος), which means "diary" or "daily". It is a combination of "epi" (ἐπί), meaning "on" or "upon", and "hēmera" (ἡμέρα), meaning "day". The term originally referred to a daily record or journal, but it later became specifically associated with astronomical tables or almanacs that provide the positions of celestial objects at given times. In this context, an ephemeris is a reference work used to determine the precise locations of celestial bodies such as planets, stars, and comets on specific dates.