perihelion
noun
peri·he·lion
ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən 
plural perihelia
ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yə
: the point nearest to the sun in the path of an orbiting celestial body (such as a planet) compare aphelion
Examples of perihelion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The comet passed and survived its closest point to the sun, known as perihelion, on Jan. 13, 2025.
—
Brett Tingley, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025
In fact, the comet’s perihelion, or its closest proximity to the Sun in its orbit, is three times closer than Mercury’s.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2025
Since its launch in 2018, Parker has inched progressively closer to the sun during 21 solar flybys, called perihelions.
—Becky Ferreira, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
As seen from our planet today, the day after perihelion, the comet is situated near the constellation Capricornus, very close to the sun.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
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Brett Tingley, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025
In fact, the comet’s perihelion, or its closest proximity to the Sun in its orbit, is three times closer than Mercury’s.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2025
Since its launch in 2018, Parker has inched progressively closer to the sun during 21 solar flybys, called perihelions.
—Becky Ferreira, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
As seen from our planet today, the day after perihelion, the comet is situated near the constellation Capricornus, very close to the sun.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for perihelion
Dictionary Entries Near perihelion
Cite this Entry
“Perihelion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perihelion. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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perihelion
noun
peri·he·lion
ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən
: the point in the path of a heavenly body (as a planet) that is nearest to the sun
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