answersLogoWhite

0

I suppose it would depend on which object you are discussing as to what the major, minor and interim diameters are.

In an elliptical orbit with a variable apogee (greatest distance from point of orbit)or variable plane (on which the satellite) orbits the major diameter would be where the orbit reaches its greatest distance from the gravity well and the minor diameter where it is closest to the gravity well. This center of gravity may or may not be near the center of the orbit (such as with comets), such that the actual diameter of the orbit may be as much as, or nearly so, 1/2 the major diameter. In a non-planar or variable plane orbit the effect of the gravitational field (or multiple gravity wells) may vary with the change in plane thus creating multiple orbits of various different diameters, the greatest being the major diameter. Such that, a circle drawn from the center of gravity with a radius described by the apogee of the satellite will scribe the major diameter.

If talking about an ellipse on a flat plane, the major diameter is the most distant point from the center scribing a circle around the center, or twice the major radius from the center to the apogee.

If talking about a spheroidal shape (such as the Earth) the major diameter is the plane at which the greatest diameter occurs. As in the Earth this plane is the equator.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the diameter of a circle that is equal to pi?

If you mean the diameter of a circle with area pi, then the diameter is 2. If you mean the diameter of a circle with circumference pi, then the diameter is 2. If you mean the diameter of a circle with diameter pi, then the diameter is pi. If you mean the diameter of a circle with radius pi, then the diameter is 2pi.


What does a 357 diameter bullet mean?

You have answered your own question. The projectile has a diameter of .357"


What is something that is 12.5 mm in diameter?

It could mean a circle with a diameter of 12.5 mm


What is the synonym of diameter?

Width, breadth, or double radius are words. Those mean diameter.


What do you mean by gross diameter of bolt?

This would be concidered the largest diameter,dimension of a bolt.


What is the circumference if the diameter is 440?

If you mean a circle, the circumference is equal to the diameter multiplied by pi.


What does the abbreviation OD mean?

it means outside diameter as opposed to id which is internal diameter


What is the diameter planet Zeus?

142,983 km in diameter, approximately. I guess you mean Jupiter.


What does diameter mean in math terms?

A line that bisects a circle and goes through the center of it is the diameter.


What does the diameter in bullets mean?

the caliber or gauge


What does dia- mean in diameter?

Through, into or across


What is the diameter of Jupiter in miles?

The polar diameter of Jupiter is 83082.30 miles. The equatorial diameter of Jupiter is 88846.14 miles, and its mean diameter is 86881.36 miles.