How do you pronounce aphelion and what does aphelion mean?
aphelion
noun
How to pronounce aphelion?
The word aphelion sounds like a-phe-li-on
/ə'filiən/
What is the definition of aphelion?
nounapoapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet that is at the greatest distance from the sun
What is the meaning of aphelion?
- The aphelion is the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet that is farthest from the sun.
What is the opposite of aphelion?
- The opposite of aphelion is perihelion, which is the point in the orbit of a celestial body that is closest to the sun.
What is the distance between the Earth and the sun at aphelion?
- At aphelion, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 94.5 million miles (152 million kilometers).
How often does Earth reach aphelion?
- Earth reaches aphelion once a year, around July 3rd or 4th in the Northern Hemisphere.
What causes the aphelion and perihelion points?
- The elliptical shape of Earth's orbit around the sun causes the aphelion and perihelion points. When Earth is at aphelion, it is farthest from the sun due to the elongated shape of its orbit.
Is aphelion the same for all planets?
- No, aphelion varies for each planet depending on its elliptical orbit. The distance between a planet and the sun at aphelion can be different.
What is the significance of aphelion and perihelion?
- Aphelion and perihelion have significance in understanding the variations in a planet's climate. When a planet is at aphelion, it receives less solar radiation, leading to cooler temperatures compared to when it is at perihelion.
Who coined the term aphelion?
- The term aphelion is derived from the Greek words 'apo,' meaning away, and 'helios,' meaning sun. The exact originator of the term is not known.
Can humans feel any difference on Earth during aphelion?
- Humans cannot feel any direct physical difference on Earth during aphelion since the change in distance from the sun is relatively small.
Is aphelion the same as solstice?
- No, aphelion and solstice are different astronomical events. Aphelion refers to the point farthest from the sun in an orbit, while solstice refers to the points in Earth's orbit where the tilt of the planet's axis is most inclined towards or away from the sun.
