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The Apsis-Pericenter Minimum Distance calculator computes the minimum distance from the center of gravity in an orbit at perigee based on the semi-major axis (a) and eccentricity (e).
INSTRUCTION: Choose units and enter the following:
- (a) This is the semi-major axis of the orbit
- (e) This is the eccentricity of the the orbit
Minimum Distance (rper): The calculator returns the distance in meters. However this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.
Related Calculators
- Force of Gravity computes the force of gravity between two bodies.
- Apsis-Apocenter (minimum speed) computes the minimum velocity at the maximum distance of an orbit.
- Apsis-Apocenter (maximum distance) computes the greatest distance from the center of gravity in an orbit.
- Apsis-Pericenter (maximum speed) computes maximum velocity at the minimum distance of an orbit.
The apsides indicate the nearest
and furthest points of an
orbiting body around its host.
(1) farthest - apocenter
(2) nearest - pericenter
(3) focus - primary - Apsis-Pericenter (minimum distance) computes the minimum distance from the center of mass in an orbit.
- Standard Gravitational Parameter
The Math / Science
The Apsis-Pericenter (minimum distance) is an extreme point in an object's orbit. For elliptical orbits about a larger body, there are two apsides. The pericenter is the point closest to the object being orbited.
The formula for the Apsis-Pericenter minimum distance is:
rper=(1-e)a
where:
- rper is distance at perigee
- e = eccentricity
- a = semi-major axis
References
Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apsis)
