Difference between revisions of "periapsis"
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(Original author put "apoapsis" when he meant "periapsis") |
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| − | For an object orbiting a celestial body, the | + | For an object orbiting a celestial body, the '''periapsis' is the point in the orbit which is ''closest'' to that body. |
| − | Periapsis and apoapsis are generic terms. The prefixes "peri-" and " | + | '''Periapsis''' and '''apoapsis''' are generic terms. The prefixes "peri-" and "apo-" are commonly applied to the Greek or Roman name of the particlyar body being orbited. |
| − | + | As an example, consider perigee and apogee for Earth, perijove and apojove for Jupiter, periselene and aposelene or perilune and apolune for lunar orbit, perichron and apochron for Saturn, perihelion and apohelion for the Sun, etc. | |
Revision as of 14:58, 3 August 2005
For an object orbiting a celestial body, the periapsis' is the point in the orbit which is closest to that body.
Periapsis and apoapsis are generic terms. The prefixes "peri-" and "apo-" are commonly applied to the Greek or Roman name of the particlyar body being orbited.
As an example, consider perigee and apogee for Earth, perijove and apojove for Jupiter, periselene and aposelene or perilune and apolune for lunar orbit, perichron and apochron for Saturn, perihelion and apohelion for the Sun, etc.