Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
apsis
Noun
/ˈæp.sɪs/
Definition
Apsis refers to either of the two points in an orbit that are closest to and farthest from the body being orbited.
Examples
- The Earth is at periapsis during its orbit around the Sun every January.
- The spacecraft reached its apoapsis before beginning its descent back to Earth.
Meaning
In astronomy, apsis is used to describe the points in an orbit where an object is nearest (periapsis) or farthest (apoapsis) from the center of mass around which it orbits.
Synonyms
- Orbit point
- Periapsis
- Apoapsis
