periapsis
periapsis · periapsides · periapsises
The point of a body's orbit in a 2-body gravitational system such that the distance…The point of a body's (elliptical) orbit in a 2-body gravitational system such that the distance between the two bodies (measured from their respective centres of mass) is at its minimum.
Meaning
2 sensesThe point of a body's (elliptical) orbit in a 2-body gravitational system such that the distance between the two bodies (measured from their respective centres of mass) is at its minimum.
(astronomy) the point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited
The minimum distance between the two bodies in such a system.
Translations
2 languagesForms
plural: periapsides / periapsises / periapses| Singular | periapsis |
|---|---|
| Plural | periapsides / periapsises / periapses |
regular
Synonyms
3 synonymsClose in meaning
- (astronomy) the point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited:point of periapsis