Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
aphelion
noun
ˌæf.əˈliː.ən
Definition
The point in the orbit of a planet or other celestial body that is farthest from the sun.
Examples
- Earth reaches its aphelion every year in early July.
- At aphelion, Mars is nearly 250 million kilometers away from the sun.
- Understanding aphelion helps astronomers calculate a planet’s orbital parameters.
Meaning
Aphelion refers to the position of an object in space when it is at its greatest distance from the sun during its elliptical orbit.
Synonyms
- Farthest point
- Outermost orbit
