Nautical Term: Zenith
Definition of Zenith
The term zenith refers to the point directly above an observer, where the imaginary line extending upwards from the observer’s eye intersects with the imaginary extension of the observer’s meridian line.
For instance, while calculating a ship’s position at sea, the navigator might take sightings of the sun or stars with the help of a sextant. The angle measured between the celestial body and the horizon is known as the angle of elevation. By knowing the exact time, the navigator can determine the angle of the celestial body from the zenith (known as the altitude) based on the published tables of astronomical data. This information, along with other observations, can then be used to calculate the ship’s position using various navigational methods.
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