Dictionary term
Perigee
Direct answer
Perigee is the point in a geocentric orbit nearest Earth’s center.
It is Earth-specific periapsis.
It is Earth-specific periapsis.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use geocentric distance and an ephemeris instead of judging apparent size from photographs.
- Do not use it for
- Perigee does not establish unusual disasters, moods, or guaranteed tides at one place.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Perihelion, Aphelion, Apogee, Ascending Orbital Node
The Chapter · Mystery School
Learn to read the sky for yourself
A mystery school of astrology with a worldwide chapter: letters on the chart and the soul, readings under one sky, and a rule of honesty about what the stars can and cannot say.
- The founding letter, with what the school studies and how it meets
- First word each season, when the doors open
- A seat at the gatherings, wherever in the world you are
Reading about Perigee? The chapter is where readers like you meet.
Founding circle · forming now
The list costs nothing. Word of the school and its gatherings, nothing else. Unsubscribe at any time.
The story behind Perigee
Lunar theory long tracked perigee because the Moon’s eccentric orbit affects apparent diameter.
Perigee: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Perigee in numerology
Perigee is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Perigee matters
It describes lunar and artificial-satellite distance variation around Earth.
Perigee at work: an example
A full Moon near perigee can appear modestly larger than one near apogee.
Where interpretation stops
Perigee is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
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
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Check the Moon’s geocentric distance
Perigee in a book is one thing; Perigee in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
Speak with the OracleRelated terms
More in Astronomy & Skywatching
- Red Giant
- Solar Granulation
- Transit of Mercury
- Binocular Astronomy
- Ecliptic Coordinate System
- Heliosphere
- Main Sequence
Common questions
What is Perigee?
Perigee is the point in a geocentric orbit nearest Earth’s center.
How is Perigee used in an almanac?
Use geocentric distance and an ephemeris instead of judging apparent size from photographs.
What should I avoid when interpreting Perigee?
Perigee does not establish unusual disasters, moods, or guaranteed tides at one place.
