Pronunciation: [ɐfˈiːli͡ə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Aphelia" is not intuitive due to the silent "h" in the middle of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /əˈfiːliə/. This indicates that the stress is on the second syllable, and there are two schwas, one at the beginning and one at the end. The letters "ph" in the word represent the "f" sound, which is another reason why the spelling of this word may be confusing to some individuals.
Aphelia, from Greek aphelion, is a term used in astronomy to describe the point of greatest distance between a celestial object, typically a planet or comet, and the sun in its elliptical orbit. It is the opposite of perihelion, which refers to the point of closest approach. Aphelia occurs when the celestial body is at its maximum distance from the sun, resulting in the planet or comet moving at its slowest orbital speed in this region.
In the context of our solar system, the term "aphelia" is primarily utilized to denote the point of farthest orbital distance for a planet or comet from the sun. It is an important concept in understanding the unique characteristics and behavior of objects within our celestial neighborhood, as their distance from the sun significantly affects their temperature, gravitational pull, and other physical properties.
For instance, the aphelion of the Earth occurs around July 4th each year, marking the farthest point in Earth's orbit from the sun during its annual revolution. This position results in the phenomenon of summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, as the sun appears at its highest point in the sky.
In conclusion, aphelia is a pivotal term used to define the farthest point in a celestial body's elliptical orbit from the sun. Its significance lies in the impact it has on various factors such as temperature, gravitational effects, and seasonal variations. Understanding aphelia is integral to comprehending the intricate celestial mechanics operating within our solar system.
The position of a planet in the heavens when farthest from the sun-when nearest to the sun, the position is called its perihelion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
