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Apsis for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'æpsɪs

What does Apsis really mean?

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Hey there! So you're wondering what the word "Apsis" means, right? No problem, I'm here to help you understand it in the simplest way possible.

Well, let's start off with an analogy to help make things clearer. Have you ever seen a Ferris wheel? You know, those big circular rides at amusement parks?

Imagine the Ferris wheel as the Earth going around the Sun. Now, if you look closely, you'll notice that the Ferris wheel has two points that are farthest from the ground and two points that are closest to the ground. The two points farthest from the ground are called the highest points or apsides of the Ferris wheel.

So, when we talk about "Apsis" in astronomy, we're referring to those points in an orbit where an object is either closest or farthest from the body it is orbiting around.

In space, planets, moons, and even artificial satellites like those we send up in rockets all move in paths called orbits. These paths are not perfect circles, but slightly elongated or elliptical in shape. This means that at some point in an orbit, the object will be closest to the body it is orbiting (like how the Ferris wheel is closest to the ground at those specific points). This closest point is called the "Periapsis." On the other hand, at another point in the orbit, the object will be farthest from the body it is orbiting (like the highest points of the Ferris wheel). This farthest point is called the "Apoapsis" or "Apo-Jove" if we're specifically talking about Jupiter.

So, just to summarize, "Apsis" is a word we use to describe the specific points in an orbit where an object is either closest or farthest from the body it is orbiting around. "Periapsis" refers to the closest point, and "Apoapsis" or "Apo-Jove" refers to the farthest point.

I hope that makes sense to you! Remember, it's just like the Ferris wheel analogy - there are certain points where objects in space are either closest or farthest from what they are orbiting. If you have any more questions or if something isn't clear, feel free to ask! I'm here to help you out.


Revised and Fact checked by Olivia Davis on 2023-10-28 02:20:01

Apsis In a sentece

Learn how to use Apsis inside a sentece

  • The apsis of a planet is the point in its orbit where it is closest to the Sun.
  • The apsis of a comet is the point in its orbit where it is closest to the Sun.
  • The apsis of a moon is the point in its orbit where it is closest to its planet.
  • The apsis of a satellite is the point in its orbit where it is closest to the Earth.
  • The apsis of a spacecraft is the point in its orbit where it is closest to a celestial body it is orbiting.

Apsis Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

apse

Apsis Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

niche recess

Apsis Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.

tribune

Apsis Holonyms

The larger whole to which this word belongs.

church church building