periapses
/ˌpɛriˈæpsiːz/
noun
- The points in an orbit around a celestial body (such as a planet or star) where the orbiting object is closest to that body.
- Astronomers calculate the periapses of comets to predict how bright they will appear from Earth.
- The spacecraft will study the planet's atmosphere during its periapses, when it flies closest to the surface.
- Adjusting the orbit's periapses allows satellites to gather better data about the moon's gravity.
Antonyms