What is Aphelion
Aphelion refers to the point in a planet’s orbit when it is at its greatest distance from the Sun. The term “aphelion” comes from the Greek “apo,” meaning “away from,” and “helios,” meaning “sun.”
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Properties of Aphelion:
- The distance of a planet from the sun at aphelion can vary depending on the planet’s orbital characteristics.
- For example, Earth’s aphelion is about 94.5 million miles, while Mars’ aphelion is about 154 million miles from the sun.
- The position of a planet at aphelion is opposite to its position at perihelion, which is the point in its orbit when it is closest to the sun.
Importance in Astronomy:
- The study of aphelion can provide valuable information about a planet’s orbital characteristics and its relationship to the sun.
- The difference in distance between aphelion and perihelion can also affect a planet’s climate and temperature.
- The study of aphelion can also help to understand the dynamics of solar system and its formation.