noun
- Plural of apoapsis; the points in an orbit farthest from the body being orbited.
Usage: astronomy; technical
Examples
- The satellite's trajectory passes through both periapsides and apoapsides during its elliptical orbit.
- Astronomers calculated the apoapsides of the comet to predict when it would be farthest from the Sun.
- The spacecraft adjusted its course to reach the apoapsides at the correct time.
- Understanding apoapsides is essential for planning interplanetary missions.
- The two apoapsides of the binary system occur at opposite points in the orbital cycle.