What is the term for the point in an orbit where a body is closest to Earth?

Prepare for the Spaatz Aerospace Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Learn with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term for the point in an orbit where a body is closest to Earth is "Perigee." In orbital mechanics, perigee specifically refers to the nearest point in the orbit of an object around Earth. This term is derived from "peri," meaning near, and "geos," relating to Earth.

Understanding this concept is essential in fields such as astrophysics and aerospace, as it influences the dynamics of satellite operations, space missions, and the effects of gravity on objects in orbit. When a satellite or spacecraft is at perigee, it experiences the strongest gravitational pull from Earth, which can impact its speed and trajectory.

Other terms in the choices relate to different aspects of orbits. For example, "Apoapsis" generally refers to the farthest point in an orbit, and "Apogee" is specifically used to denote the farthest point of an orbit around Earth. "Equatorial point" does not apply in the context of orbital mechanics, as it does not specify a distance from Earth but rather relates to positioning in relation to Earth's equator.

Therefore, perigee is the correct term for the closest point of an orbit around Earth.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy