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Aphelion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aphelion

[æfəˈliːən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

astronomy

Aphelion is the point in the orbit of an object (like a planet or comet) where it is farthest from the Sun. The term is derived from the Greek word 'apo', meaning 'away from', and 'helios', meaning 'sun'. It is significant in understanding the elliptical nature of orbits and how distance from the sun affects the object's speed and position.

Synonyms

aphelion point, farthest point.

Examples of usage

  • Earth's aphelion occurs in July each year.
  • During aphelion, the planet moves slower in its orbit.
  • Comets often have very eccentric orbits that lead to a significant difference between their perihelion and aphelion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Astronomy

  • Earth's aphelion occurs around July 4 each year, when it is about 94.5 million miles from the sun.
  • Other planets in our solar system also have aphelion points; for example, Neptune's distance can reach over 30 astronomical units from the sun.
  • Understanding aphelion helps scientists study seasonal changes, as Earth is farther from the sun during the Northern Hemisphere's summer.

Cultural Reference

  • The concept of aphelion has inspired artists and writers who explore themes of distance and longing, often metaphorically connecting it to relationships.
  • In science fiction, distant worlds' aphelion points are often used when depicting unique climates and conditions of alien planets.
  • The word has appeared in various songs and poetry, emphasizing themes of separation and vastness.

Science

  • The study of planetary orbits, including aphelion, is a key part of celestial mechanics.
  • Understanding aphelion and its counterpart, perihelion (the closest point to the sun), is crucial for calculating the seasons on Earth.
  • The eccentricity of a planet's orbit affects the difference in distance between its aphelion and perihelion, influencing its temperature and climate.

Origin of 'aphelion'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'aphelion', meaning 'away from the sun' or 'distant from the sun'.
  • It is formed from 'apo-', meaning 'away from', and 'helios', meaning 'sun'.
  • This term was first used in the early 1600s in relation to planetary motion.

The term 'aphelion' dates back to the early 17th century, coming from the Greek 'apo' (away from) and 'helios' (sun). Its first known use was in the context of astronomy, distinguishing this point in an orbit from 'perihelion', which indicates the closest point to the sun. The concept gained more prominence with the advancement of celestial mechanics, especially during the work of Johannes Kepler in the early 1600s, who formulated laws of planetary motion that detailed how planets travel in elliptical orbits around the sun. Over time, the understanding of aphelion has become integral to fields such as astrophysics and orbital dynamics, helping scientists predict planetary positions and study the behavior of celestial bodies.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,504 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.