Definition

A type of support for telescopes that allows them to move up and down as well as side to side.

Example

The astronomer adjusted the altazimuth to get a better view of the stars.

Conversation

Have you ever used a telescope with an altazimuth mount?

No, I haven't, but I've heard they're pretty easy to use.

Yeah, they allow you to move the telescope both up and down and side to side.

That sounds convenient! I should look into getting one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Altazimuth is formed from "alta" (from Latin "altus", meaning high) and "azimuth" (from Arabic "as-sumūt", meaning the way or path). The word describes an instrument that measures the altitude and azimuth of celestial objects, indicating their position in the sky.

Memory Tip

Think of 'high' ('alta') and the 'path' ('azimuth') to remember that an altazimuth measures the position of objects high in the sky.

Visually Confused Words