Areocentric

/ˌæriːoʊˈsɛntrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Centered on or related to Mars, especially in the way that geocentric means centered on Earth.

Etymology

From Ares (the Greek god of war, Roman equivalent Mars) combined with '-centric' (centered on). This scientific term parallels 'geocentric' and 'heliocentric' for positioning Mars at the center of reference.

Kelly Says

Just as 'geocentric' means Earth-centered, 'areocentric' is the word NASA scientists actually use when discussing Mars-centered coordinates and perspectives for rover navigation and orbital mechanics.

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