What is the term that refers to the system of measuring the movement of stars?

The term that refers to the system of measuring the movement of stars is sidereal time. Sidereal time is based on the Earth's rotation relative to the fixed stars rather than the Sun. It divides the day into a system that measures how long it takes for the Earth to rotate once in relation to a distant star, which is approximately 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds. This is vital for astronomers who need precise measurements of star positions for navigation and observation.

In contrast, solar time is based on the Earth's rotation relative to the Sun, resulting in a day that is about 24 hours. Universal time refers to a time standard based on the mean solar time at the Prime Meridian and is often used for coordination across time zones. Clock time is a more general term that typically refers to the everyday measurement of time without any specific astronomical basis. Understanding sidereal time is essential for those studying astronomy or surveying, as it provides a framework for tracking celestial objects accurately.