Aphelion (Noun)
Meaning
Apoapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet that is at the greatest distance from the sun.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The Earth's aphelion typically occurs around early July, resulting in slightly cooler temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere during that time.
- Astronomers closely monitor the periodic changes in a comet's orbital distance, particularly at aphelion and perihelion, to determine its probable trajectory.
- The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter was launched at a time that allowed it to take advantage of a highly favorable perihelion distance and a relatively stable aphelion.
- On its return from interstellar space, the Oort Cloud comet will begin a descent toward the inner solar system, steadily decreasing in distance until it passes its aphelion point.
- During aphelion, the weakening solar gravitational influence on a planet, particularly one with a sufficiently eccentric orbit, may have significant effects on the planet's temperature distribution patterns.