Word for Periapsis

General physics and astronomy discussions not directly related to Celestia
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tony873004
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Word for Periapsis

Post #1by tony873004 » 10.02.2005, 04:24

Perihelion = Sun
Perigee = Earth
Perilune = Moon

But what about for a star other than the Sun. Is it also Perihelion, or is there a convention for the word if a star's name is known? (Peripolaris?)Or is there a generic word for any star other than the Sun?
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Evil Dr Ganymede
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Post #2by Evil Dr Ganymede » 10.02.2005, 06:00

I just thought it was "periapsis/apoapsis" myself if you wanted a general case. I'm sure I've heard "periastron" and "apoastron" used for stars though...
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cpotting
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Post #3by cpotting » 11.02.2005, 15:45

Evil Dr Ganymede wrote:I just thought it was "periapsis/apoapsis" myself if you wanted a general case. I'm sure I've heard "periastron" and "apoastron" used for stars though...


I think they are actually "periastron" and "apastron" (without the 'o').
Clive Pottinger
Victoria, BC Canada
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Spaceman Spiff
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Post #4by Spaceman Spiff » 12.02.2005, 13:39

well, I think you might have noticed me giving up, and going for periwotsit and apowotsit... :).

Spiff.
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