Apogee

- from the Greek apo 'far from' + gaia 'earth', the point in a planet's orbit when it is furthest from the Earth. Since the Earth was traditionally perceived as the lowest sphere, distance from the Earth was associated with height, superiority, divinity and spiritual strength. When at apogee the apparent planetary movement (as measured against the zodiac) is direct and swift in motion.

[The diagram shows the principle, not the scale]

Text and diagram © Deborah Houlding, 16/02/10

See also:  Auge   Deferent   Epicycle   Equant   Perigee   Sphere