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Nadir

The '''nadir''' (from Arabic language|Arabic '''ندير''' ''nadeer'' '''نظير''' ''nathir'', "opposite") is the astronomy|astronomical term for the point directly below the observer, or more precisely, the point with an inclination of −90°. In simple terms, if you are standing on the Earth, it is the direction "down" toward your feet. Geometrically, it is the point on the celestial sphere intersected by a line drawn from the observer's location on the Earth's surface through the center of the Earth. The point opposite the nadir is the zenith. Nadir also refers to a downward-facing viewing angle of an orbiting satellite, such as is employed during remote sensing of the Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere, as well as when an astronaut faces the Earth while performing an Extra-vehicular activity|EVA. The word is also used figuratively to mean the lowest point of a person's spirits.
Nadir is also a Persian name, meaning 'rare' or 'precious'.

References

Category:Arabic words and phrases Category:Celestial coordinate system Category:Technical factors of astrology

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