perigee

noun

peri·gee | \ ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē

Definition of perigee

: the point in the orbit of an object (such as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (such as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it — compare apogee

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Examples of perigee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This was enabled by the fact that the Space Force agreed to allow the GPS III satellites to be launched into a different orbital perigee. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Space Force says it will fly on a used Falcon 9 rocket for the first time," 25 Sep. 2020 As philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn noted, Newton's laws were retained despite the fact that they were contradicted for decades by the motions of the perihelion of Mercury and the perigee of the moon. — Mano Singham, Scientific American, "The Idea that a Scientific Theory can be 'Falsified' Is a Myth," 7 Sep. 2020 Supermoons occur when the moon is within 90% of perigee -- which is its closest approach to Earth in orbit. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, "May's flower moon is the final supermoon of the year," 6 May 2020 February’s full moon was close to being super, but not quite in perigee; March had the first super moon, the Super Worm Moon; and April had a Super Pink Moon, the biggest and brightest of 2020. — Hannah Chubb, PEOPLE.com, "The Super Flower Moon Is Coming Tonight — Here's How to See It!," 6 May 2020 Tonight, we’ll be treated to dazzling full moon that will appear extra large thanks to being in perigee. — Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, "How to See Tonight’s Stunning Super Pink Moon," 7 Apr. 2020 This full moon coincides with the lunar perigee — the moon's closest point to Earth in its monthly orbit, which gives it the appearance of being bigger. — Christopher Brito, CBS News, "Tonight's "pink moon" will be the largest supermoon of the year," 7 Apr. 2020 This Pink Moon is also a supermoon, which is when the moon is full at its perigee — a.k.a. — Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, "The Super Pink Moon In Libra Is Good News For Your Relationships," 7 Apr. 2020 When the moon is closest to Earth, astronomers call it perigee. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Greater Cincinnati could miss the full worm supermoon Monday due to cloud cover," 9 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perigee.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.