Final answer:
The term for the point in a planet or comet's orbit farthest from the Earth is 'apogee' and 'aphelion' when referring to orbits around the Sun. These points are crucial in the study of celestial mechanics and orbits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Term for the Point in the Orbit Farthest from the Earth
The term for the point in the orbit of a planet or comet where it is farthest from the Earth is called the apogee. This is a specific instance of a broader concept known as the apoapsis, which refers to the point in any orbit where the orbiting body is farthest from its central body. When discussing orbits around the Sun, this point is called the aphelion. The term 'apogee' itself is specifically used for objects orbiting the Earth, such as the Moon or man-made satellites. Conversely, perigee refers to the closest approach to Earth, while perihelion denotes the closest point to the Sun.
For example, the Moon reaches apogee once each orbit, marking the point where it is most distant from Earth. Similarly, Earth itself has an aphelion point in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. Such points are not just of academic interest but have practical implications for space travel and the study of celestial mechanics. Careful observation of these points has led to important scientific insights, like the Oort Cloud theory proposed by Dutch astronomer Jan Oort, based on observing the aphelia of comets.
Orbits of planets, moons, and satellites are essential in understanding celestial mechanics. These orbits follow Kepler's laws of planetary motion and are generally elliptical. The points of apogee and aphelion are critical in understanding the dynamics of these orbits, including variations in orbital speed and distance from the primary celestial body.