Dictionary term
Apogee
Direct answer
Apogee is the point in a geocentric orbit farthest from Earth’s center.
It is Earth-specific apoapsis.
It is Earth-specific apoapsis.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use the orbit’s osculating data because perturbations change successive apogees.
- Do not use it for
- Apogee is not the same as greatest altitude above an observer’s horizon.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Aphelion, Perigee, Ascending Orbital Node, Descending Orbital Node
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The story behind Apogee
Astronomers refined lunar apogee tables for calendars, eclipses, and navigation.
Apogee in spiritual tradition
Distance from Earth and height in one sky are different measures.
Apogee: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Apogee in numerology
Apogee 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 Apogee matters
It marks the maximum distance of the Moon or an Earth satellite in its orbit.
Apogee at work: an example
The Moon’s apparent disk is slightly smaller near apogee than near perigee.
Where interpretation stops
Apogee 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:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Definitions for astronomical coordinates, time, reference systems, and observable phenomena.
- NASA Science: Moon Phases - NASA explanation and visualization of lunar phases and libration.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Distinguish apogee from altitude
Apogee in a book is one thing; Apogee in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
Speak with the OracleRelated terms
More in Astronomy & Skywatching
- Binocular Astronomy
- Ecliptic Coordinate System
- Heliosphere
- Main Sequence
- Red Giant
- Solar Granulation
- Transit of Mercury
Common questions
What is Apogee?
Apogee is the point in a geocentric orbit farthest from Earth’s center.
How is Apogee used in an almanac?
Use the orbit’s osculating data because perturbations change successive apogees.
What should I avoid when interpreting Apogee?
Apogee is not the same as greatest altitude above an observer’s horizon.
