Which term refers to the farthest point in a satellite's orbit from the Earth?

Which term refers to the farthest point in a satellite's orbit from the Earth?

• A. Astronomical Tide
• B. Wind Wave
• C. Apogee
• D. Aphelion

Answer: (C)

In an orbit around Earth, the object travels along an ellipse with Earth at one focus, so its distance from Earth varies. The point where it is closest is called perigee, and the point where it is farthest is apogee. This farthest point is what the question is asking for. Apogee describes the farthest distance from Earth for a satellite, whereas aphelion refers to the farthest point in an orbit around the Sun. The other terms are unrelated to orbital distance: astronomical tide is a tidal effect, and wind wave refers to ocean surface waves.

In an orbit around Earth, the object travels along an ellipse with Earth at one focus, so its distance from Earth varies. The point where it is closest is called perigee, and the point where it is farthest is apogee. This farthest point is what the question is asking for. Apogee describes the farthest distance from Earth for a satellite, whereas aphelion refers to the farthest point in an orbit around the Sun. The other terms are unrelated to orbital distance: astronomical tide is a tidal effect, and wind wave refers to ocean surface waves.