apastron

[ uh-pas-truhn, -tron ]

noun

, Astronomy.

, plural ap·as·tra [uh, -, pas, -tr, uh].

1. the point at which the stars of a binary system are farthest apart ( periastron ).

apastron

/ ə-păs′trən /

1. The point at which an object, such as a planet or comet, is farthest from the center of mass of the star it is orbiting.
2. Compare periastron

Word History and Origins

Origin of apastron¹

< New Latin < Greek ap- ap- ² + ástron star, constellation; on the model of apogee

Example Sentences

They wouldn't live to be crushed by disappointment when the Sky Fire receded as Beta went into the long swing toward apastron.

From Project Gutenberg