Apogee definition and meaning in context with images and visuals
/ˈæp.ə.dʒiː/ (noun)
Definition of apogee
- highest point, culmination, the best or greatest point, peak, zenith, height, acme, apex, climax, summit, pinnacle
- (geology or astronomy) a point in orbit farthest from Earth, a point in space at which a satellite or moon orbiting an astronomical object is located at the farthest distance from the center of the object that is being orbited
Video of apogee
Apogee in context
Apogee is a term used in astronomy to describe the point in an orbit where an object is farthest from the body it’s orbiting. When discussing celestial bodies like the Moon and Earth, or artificial satellites, apogee signifies the maximum distance these objects reach from Earth.
The Moon’s orbit around Earth isn’t a perfect circle but rather an ellipse. This elliptical shape means there are two significant points in its orbit: perigee, the point closest to Earth, and apogee, the point farthest away. The distance between the Moon and Earth varies throughout its orbit, influencing the Moon’s apparent size and brightness as seen from Earth.
Artificial satellites, such as communication or weather satellites, also follow elliptical orbits around Earth. The apogee of a satellite’s orbit is crucial for its intended function. For instance, geostationary satellites, which appear stationary above a fixed point on Earth, have a specific apogee that allows them to maintain this position. Other satellites, like those in low Earth orbit, may have varying apogees depending on their mission objectives.
Antonyms
perigee, nadir
