semi-axis

A two-fold reason why the constant for latitude 45° is vastly better than any other, is in its having this simple relation with the semi-axis, and at the same time a less complex way of applying the correction for latitude.

Scientific American Supplement, No. 483, April 4, 1885 Various

In this expression a represents the major semi-axis of the ellipse, e its eccentricity, c the velocity of light, and T the period of revolution of the planet.

Appendix 3. The Experimental Confirmation of the General Theory of Relativity 1920

But it must be borne in mind, that the form of the moon's orbit being an elipse of eccentricity amounting to no less than 0.05484 of the major semi-axis of the elipse itself, and the earth's centre being situated in its focus, if I could, in any manner, contrive to meet the moon, as it were, in its perigee, the above-mentioned distance would be materially diminished.

Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque. In Two Volumes. Vol. II 1840

Hebrew cubit, is _exactly_ one ten-millionth (1-10,000,000th) of the earth's semi-axis of rotation; and _that is_ the very best mode of reference to the earth-ball as a whole, for a linear standard through all time, that the highest science of the existing age of the world has yet struck out or can imagine.

Archaeological Essays, Vol. 1 James Young Simpson 1840

But it must be borne in mind that the form of the moon's orbit being an ellipse of eccentricity amounting to no less than 0.05484 of the major semi-axis of the ellipse itself, and the earth's centre being situated in its focus, if I could, in any manner, contrive to meet the moon, as it were, in its perigee, the above mentioned distance would be materially diminished.

The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1 Edgar Allan Poe 1829

Radius 0.015 # maximum semi-axis about 20-30 meters

Astroblog 2009

The greater value is the length of the major semi-axis, and the lesser value is the length of the minor semi-axis.

Recently Uploaded Slideshows 2009