Definition:Perihelion

Definition

Let $P$ be a body in orbit around the sun.

The perihelion of $P$ is the closest of the two apsides of $P$'s orbit.

Also see

• Definition:Aphelion

• Definition:Perigee
• Definition:Apogee

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): apse (plural apsides)
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): apsis (plural apsides)