Sky science
Perigee
Direct answer
Perigee is the point in a geocentric orbit nearest Earth’s center.
It is Earth-specific periapsis.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Perihelion, Aphelion, Apogee, Ascending Orbital Node
It is Earth-specific periapsis.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.
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The story behind Perigee
Lunar theory long tracked perigee because the Moon’s eccentric orbit affects apparent diameter.
A one-minute story
The Wandering Stars
How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.
Why Perigee matters
Perigee describes lunar and artificial-satellite distance variation around Earth.
Perigee in practice: an example
A full Moon near perigee can appear modestly larger than one near apogee.
Where readings of Perigee go wrong
Perigee does not establish unusual disasters, moods, or guaranteed tides at one place.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Definitions for astronomical coordinates, time, reference systems, and observable phenomena.
- NASA Science: Moon Phases - NASA explanation and visualization of lunar phases and libration.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Check the Moon’s geocentric distance
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More in Astronomy & Skywatching
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- Transit of Mercury
- Binocular Astronomy
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Common questions
What is perigee?
Perigee is the point in a geocentric orbit nearest Earth’s center.
What do people get wrong about perigee?
Perigee does not establish unusual disasters, moods, or guaranteed tides at one place.
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