Apoapsis (Noun)
Meaning
(astronomy) the point in an orbit farthest from the body being orbited.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- An object in a highly eccentric orbit experiences great variations in temperature due to its closest and farthest points, or periapsis and apoapsis.
- Spacecraft navigating the vast expanse of space must account for the gravitational effects experienced at their apoapsis and periapsis during orbit.
- A comet's tail often becomes more pronounced near the point of its closest approach to the sun and less visible near the apoapsis.
- To land a spacecraft safely on a distant planet, scientists must precisely calculate its desired apoapsis to ensure a gradual descent.
- Mathematically, determining the periapsis and apoapsis of an object can give astronomers valuable insight into an orbit's total energy and velocity profile.