Definition:South Celestial Pole

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

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

Let $Q$ be the point in the visible hemisphere at which $OQ$ meets the celestial sphere.

Then $Q$ is the south celestial pole.

That is, the south celestial pole is the pole of the celestial equator which is the zenith of the South Pole.


 * Celestial-Sphere.png

In the above diagram, the south celestial pole is indicated by $Q$.

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

Also see

 * Definition:North Celestial Pole


 * Definition:Celestial Axis
 * Definition:Celestial Pole