perihelion Definition
the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is closest to the sun.
Using perihelion: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "perihelion" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Earth reaches perihelion in early January.
Example
Halley's Comet has a perihelion of 0.59 astronomical units from the Sun.
Example
The perihelion of Mercury is about 46 million kilometers from the Sun.
perihelion Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for perihelion
- closest point to the sun
- solar perigee
Phrases with perihelion
the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is farthest from the sun
Example
The Earth reaches aphelion in early July.
the moment when a planet, asteroid, or comet passes through its perihelion
Example
The perihelion passage of Halley's Comet was observed in 1986.
the distance between a planet, asteroid, or comet and the sun at its perihelion
Example
The perihelion distance of Mars is about 206 million kilometers.
Origins of perihelion
from Greek 'peri' meaning 'near' and 'helios' meaning 'sun'
Summary: perihelion in Brief
'Perihelion' [ˌpɛrɪˈhiːliən] refers to the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is closest to the sun. It is the opposite of 'aphelion,' which is the farthest point from the sun. Examples include 'The Earth reaches perihelion in early January.' and 'The perihelion of Mercury is about 46 million kilometers from the Sun.'
