Apse line

In astrodynamics, apse line (or line of apsides) is an imaginary line defined by an orbit's eccentricity vector. It is strictly defined for elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic orbits. For such orbits the apse line is found:

• for elliptical orbits – between the orbit's periapsis and apoapsis (also known as the major axis)
• for parabolic and hyperbolic orbits – between the orbit's periapsis and focus

Note: For circular orbits apse line is not defined, because eccentricity is equal to zero. As it is required as a base for the definition of true anomaly, it is usually arbitrarily assumed (as a line pointing into the direction of the vernal equinox).

See also

• Apsis
• Orbit: circular, elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic
• Eccentricity (orbit) and eccentricity vector
• True anomaly
• Apsidal precession