21 September 2013

apogee

[ap-uh-jee]
noun

1. Astronomy . the point in the orbit of a heavenly body, especially the moon, or of a man-made satellite at which it is farthest from the earth. Compare perigee.
2. the highest or most distant point; climax. Example: ‘The British Empire reached its apogee in the early part of the Twentieth century, after which its power and influence declined’.

Origin:
1585–95; alteration (after French apogée ) of earlier apogaeum < Latin < Greek apógaion ( diástema ) off-earth (distance), neuter of apógaios (adj.), equivalent to apo- apo- + gáïos of the earth, derivative of gaîa, variant of gê the earth

Related forms
ap·o·ge·al, ap·o·ge·an, ap·o·ge·ic, adjective

Today’s aphorism

It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.

– J. R. R. Tolkien

On this day

21 September – International Day of Peace.

21 September – World Alzheimer’s Day.

21 September 1866 – birth of Herbert George ‘H.G.’ Wells, British science fiction writer, author of The War of the Worlds, Time Machine, Island of Dr Moreau, The War of the Worlds. Died 13 August 1946.

21 September 1937 – J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ first published.

21 September 2012 – ‘The Hobbit Second Breakfast’ at 11am – to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Hobbit, people everywhere are invited to celebrate the Hobbit Second Breakfast at 11am by popping on the kettle and sitting down with family and friends for camaraderie, companionship and a love of good food.