point of periapsis

Thân thiện

A satellite reaches its point of periapsis as it orbits the Earth.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Astronomy) The point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited: This is the precise location where an orbiting object, such as a planet, moon, or satellite, reaches its minimum distance from the celestial body it is orbiting.

Usage

• The term "point of periapsis" is a specific technical term used in orbital mechanics and astronomy. It is the general term for the closest approach in any orbit. For orbits around specific bodies, more specific terms are commonly used (see 'Variants and Related Words').
• It is typically used in scientific, engineering, and academic contexts when describing orbital parameters and trajectories.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The spacecraft's engines fired at the point of periapsis to increase its orbital speed.
  • Calculating the exact point of periapsis is crucial for mission planning.

Advanced Usage

• "Periapsis passage": Refers to the event or moment when the orbiting object passes through the point of periapsis.
  • The time of periapsis passage is recorded for each orbit.

Variants and Related Words

• Periapsis (n): Often used interchangeably with "point of periapsis" to mean the same orbital position.
• Specific terms for orbits around particular bodies:
  • Perihelion: The point of periapsis for an orbit around the Sun.
  • Perigee: The point of periapsis for an orbit around the Earth.
  • Perilune or Pericynthion: The point of periapsis for an orbit around the Moon.
  • Periastron: The point of periapsis for an orbit around a star (in a binary star system).
• Apoapsis (n): The antonym; the point in an orbit farthest from the body being orbited.

Synonyms

• Closest approach: A less technical phrase describing the same concept.
• Orbital periapsis: A synonymous term emphasizing the orbital context.

Antonyms

• Point of apoapsis: The general term for the farthest point in an orbit.
• Aphelion (for Sun), Apogee (for Earth), Apolune (for Moon): Specific antonyms for orbits around those bodies.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (astronomy) the point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited

Từ đồng nghĩa

• periapsis