Definition:North Celestial Pole

Definition
Let $O$ be a celestial observer situated at the surface of Earth in the Northern hemisphere.

Let $OP$ be a straight line parallel to Earth's axis.

Let $P$ be the point in the visible hemisphere at which $OP$ meets the celestial sphere.

Then $P$ is the north celestial pole.

That is, the north celestial pole is the pole of the celestial equator which is the zenith of the North Pole.


 * Celestial-Sphere.png

In the above diagram, the north celestial pole is indicated by $P$.

Also known as
The north celestial pole is also referred to as the north pole, but this can be confused with the North Pole of Earth itself.

Also see

 * Definition:South Celestial Pole


 * Definition:Celestial Axis
 * Definition:Celestial Equator