Dictionary term
Apoapsis
Direct answer
Apoapsis is the point in a bound orbit farthest from the body or barycenter at its focus.
It is the generic farthest point of an orbit.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use it only for a bound orbit with a meaningful farthest point.
- Do not use it for
- Parabolic and hyperbolic trajectories have no finite apoapsis.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Synodic Period, Periapsis, Perihelion, Aphelion
The story behind Apoapsis
General celestial-mechanics terminology extended planet-specific apsis names.
Apoapsis in spiritual tradition
Every term has a domain where it stops applying.
The Great Almanac frames Apoapsis with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Apoapsis in the Bible
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Apoapsis in numerology
Apoapsis is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Apoapsis matters
It pairs with periapsis to describe radial extremes.
Example in a reading: A satellite at apoapsis has its maximum orbital radius and often its lowest speed.
Interpretive caution: Parabolic and hyperbolic trajectories have no finite apoapsis.
How Apoapsis is used in a reading
Use it only for a bound orbit with a meaningful farthest point.
Where interpretation stops
Apoapsis is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: Orbits and Kepler’s Laws - NASA explanation of orbital ellipses, orbital periods, and Kepler’s laws of planetary motion.
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Definitions for astronomical coordinates, time, reference systems, and observable phenomena.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Continue learning
Continue from the definition into current sky positions, space weather, and the live collective celestial view.
Open Worldwide WatchRelated terms
These related entries help place Apoapsis inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
