Astro*Dictionary
by Michael Erlewine
1 article for
"Periapsis"
A generic term. The point in an orbit that lies closest to the centre of gravitational attraction.
| For bodies which orbit about the Sun, | this point is called perihelion; |
| about the Moon, | perilune; |
| about the Earth, | perigee; |
| about Mars, | perimartian; |
| about Jupiter, | perijove; |
| about a star, | periastron. |
See also: ♦ Apoapsis
Astro*Index Copyright © 1997 Michael Erlewine
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