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Glite Dictionary
coelostat

coelostat

9.9
A device with moving and fixed mirrors that sends light into a telescope and keeps the image steady
  • noun
  • /ˈsiːləˌstæt/
  • Specialized
: coelostato
  • The observatory's coelostat allowed astronomers to study the sun for hours without moving the telescope.

Examples

  • Modern solar telescopes often employ a coelostat to provide a steady image for detailed analysis.

  • The astronomer adjusted the coelostat to track the star's movement.

  • A coelostat uses a motor to continually adjust its mirror, compensating for Earth's rotation.

  • A coelostat is essential for observing celestial bodies.

  • A coelostat uses a motor to continually adjust its mirror, directing light from celestial objects into telescopes as they move.

  • Modern solar telescopes often employ a coelostat to ensure the light from the sun remains focused for detailed observations.

  • The observatory's coelostat enabled astronomers to maintain a steady view of a star throughout its transit across the sky.

Surface Forms

coelostat singular
coelostats plural

Morphology

coelostat = coelo + stat

Both elements are specialised combining forms rather than common English bases, so a typical B1 learner would not reliably infer the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Coelostat comes from two parts: coelo- (from Latin caelum meaning 'sky', seen in celestial) and -stat meaning 'to stand' or 'hold' (as in thermostat). So a coelostat is a device that 'holds the sky' steady, directing light from the sun or a star into a telescope.