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periapsis
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Definition/Summary
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| The closest point of an elliptical orbit to the focus of the orbit |
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Equations
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[tex]r_P = a(1-e)[/tex]
where:
[itex]a[/itex] is the semi-major axis
[itex]e[/itex] is the eccentricity |
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Recent forum threads on periapsis
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Breakdown
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Physics
> Astro Cosmo
>> Celestial Mechanics
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Images
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Extended explanation
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The periapsis is one of two apsides that are located on the points where a line passing through the focus and bisecting the ellipse along its long dimension intersects the orbit.
The line passing through the two apsides is known as the Line of Apsides.
The segment of the line of apsides that lies between the apsides is the Major Axis of the orbit, and half of this is the Semi-major Axis (a).
For a Sun centered orbit, the periapsis is called the perihelion and for an Earth centered orbit its is called the perigee. Each major body of the Solar system also has its own specifically names periapsis. |
Commentary
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