What term refers to the angular distance measured towards the celestial body from the observer's horizon?

The term that refers to the angular distance measured towards a celestial body from the observer's horizon is known as altitude. This measurement is crucial in celestial navigation, as it helps determine how high an object in the sky appears in relation to the observer's local horizon.

Altitude is typically expressed in degrees, with 0 degrees indicating the horizon and 90 degrees pointing directly overhead. By assessing the altitude of celestial objects, surveyors and navigators can achieve a better understanding of their position relative to these objects, which is essential for accurate positioning and navigation.

Declination, on the other hand, is the angle measured north or south of the celestial equator, while ascension refers to the celestial coordinate system used to position stars in the sky. Coaltitude would refer to the complement of altitude but is not commonly used in this context. Understanding altitude in surveying and celestial navigation enables practitioners to accurately pinpoint locations and navigate effectively based on celestial cues.