The plane of the ecliptic refers to the flat plane where the Earth's orbit around the Sun intersects with the Sun's apparent path in the sky. There are a number of synonyms for this term, including orbital plane, solar plane, and ecliptic plane. Some other synonyms include celestial equator, due to its location bisecting the celestial sphere, and zodiac plane, due to its relationship with the zodiac constellations. Additionally, astronomers may sometimes refer to the ecliptic as the path of the Sun or simply as the ecliptic. Regardless of the terminology used, the plane of the ecliptic is a critical concept in astronomy and plays a central role in predicting seasonal changes and the movements of celestial bodies.