Description of Celestial Sphere

To know what is celestial sphere, we have to understand the concept of universe first. According to the astronomy, the imaginary sphere of vacuum surrounding earth is known as celestial sphere.

Celestial Poles

The two poles of earth are known as north pole and south pole. The two imaginary points in the sky where these poles when extended till infinity intersect with the imaginary rotating sphere of stars are called the celestial spheres.

Celestial Equator

The celestial equator is a great circle on the imaginary celestial sphere in the same plane as the earth’s equator. In other words, it is an extension of terrestrial equator till infinity into space.

Ecliptic

The ecliptic is the apparent path that the Sun covers during the year. The plane of celestial sphere makes an angle of 23 degrees and 28 minutes with the plane of celestial equator.