Definition:Earth's Poles

Definition

Let it be assumed to be established that planet Earth rotates in space about its axis.

The poles of Earth are the endpoints of Earth's axis, where it intersects the surface of Earth.

That is, the poles of Earth are the poles of Earth's equator.

North Pole

Let an observer $A$ be situated on Earth's equator.

Let $A$ be facing the direction of Earth's rotation in space about its axis.

Then the North Pole is the particular one of Earth's poles which is on the left of $A$.

South Pole

Let an observer $A$ be situated on Earth's equator.

Let $A$ be facing the direction of Earth's rotation in space about its axis.

Then the South Pole is the particular one of Earth's poles which is on the right of $A$.

Sources

• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): pole: 2. (of a circle on a sphere)