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
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When a comet reaches perihelion, the Sun’s heat causes different ices to sublimate into gas.
—
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
This point, known as perihelion, usually results in conditions that provide the ideal circumstances for scientists to gain a better understanding and glimpse of the comet's composition.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
If this trend continues, then, at perihelion, the ion tail will be at its broadest, increasing the chances of Europa Clipper being able to detect some of its ions.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Comets of this type typically brighten considerably close to perihelion, or a comet's closest point to Earth, according to StarWalk.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
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Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
This point, known as perihelion, usually results in conditions that provide the ideal circumstances for scientists to gain a better understanding and glimpse of the comet's composition.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
If this trend continues, then, at perihelion, the ion tail will be at its broadest, increasing the chances of Europa Clipper being able to detect some of its ions.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Comets of this type typically brighten considerably close to perihelion, or a comet's closest point to Earth, according to StarWalk.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perihelion
Cite this Entry
“Perihelion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perihelion. Accessed 29 Oct. 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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