Definition
In planetary dynamics, the apsidal angle is the angle between the directions of closest approach (the apse) of two planets, as measured from the origin of the coordinate system (usually the center of the star). This angle may change with time and is coupled to the eccentricity of the orbits. The apsidal angle may oscillate about a fixed value (called apsidal libration) or circulate.
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© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Barnes, R. (2011). Apsidal Angle. In: Gargaud, M., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11274-4_94
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11274-4_94
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