Apocenter

/ˈæpoʊˌsentər/ noun

Definition

The point in an orbit where an object is farthest from the center of mass it orbits around.

Etymology

From Greek apo- (away, far) + center (from Latin centrum). Modern astronomical term coined to be the opposite of 'pericenter,' following the apogee/perigee terminology.

Kelly Says

Every satellite, moon, and planet has an apocenter—Earth's apocenter from the Sun is called aphelion, Moon's apocenter from Earth is called apogee, and understanding these points was crucial for calculating space probe trajectories.

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