Dictionary term
Local Meridian
Direct answer
Local Meridian: The Local Meridian is the north-south celestial great circle defined for one observer’s longitude.
It is the observer-specific meridian of the sky.
It is the observer-specific meridian of the sky.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.Quick reference
- Use when
- Do not reuse meridian times calculated for another longitude.
- Do not use it for
- Clock noon and local meridian transit usually do not coincide exactly.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Declination Circle, Celestial Meridian, Hour Angle, Position Angle
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The story behind Local Meridian
Local meridians underpinned apparent solar time before standardized time zones.
Local Meridian: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Local Meridian in numerology
Local Meridian is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Local Meridian matters
It determines local culmination and connects longitude with astronomical time.
Local Meridian at work: an example
Local solar noon occurs when the Sun crosses the observer’s meridian.
Where interpretation stops
Local Meridian is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Definitions for astronomical coordinates, time, reference systems, and observable phenomena.
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Data - Authoritative services for celestial positions, rise and set events, phases, and related calculations.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Find your sky’s north-south line
Local Meridian in a book is one thing; Local Meridian in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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Common questions
What is Local Meridian?
The Local Meridian is the north-south celestial great circle defined for one observer’s longitude.
How is Local Meridian used in an almanac?
Do not reuse meridian times calculated for another longitude.
What should I avoid when interpreting Local Meridian?
Clock noon and local meridian transit usually do not coincide exactly.
