perihelion

(noun)

The point in the elliptical orbit of a planet or comet etc. where it is nearest to the Sun. The point farthest from the Sun is called aphelion.

Related Terms

  • semi-latus rectum
  • eccentricity

Examples of perihelion in the following topics:

  • Kepler's Second Law

    • One can see that the planet will travel fastest at perihelion and slowest at aphelion.
  • Kepler's First Law

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