Dictionary term
Perihelion
Direct answer
Perihelion is the point where a heliocentric orbiting body is nearest the Sun.
It is the Sun-specific form of periapsis.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use a current ephemeris for the exact time and distance.
- Do not use it for
- Perihelion does not mean the Sun is overhead or locally hottest.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Periapsis, Apoapsis, Aphelion, Perigee
The story behind Perihelion
Kepler’s laws established that planets move fastest near perihelion.
Perihelion in spiritual tradition
Simple seasonal assumptions yield to measured geometry.
The Great Almanac frames Perihelion with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Perihelion in the Bible
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Perihelion in numerology
Perihelion 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 Perihelion matters
It helps explain changing orbital speed, distance, and solar illumination.
Example in a reading: Earth reaches perihelion during Northern Hemisphere winter, showing distance does not cause the seasons.
Interpretive caution: Perihelion does not mean the Sun is overhead or locally hottest.
Where interpretation stops
Perihelion 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:
- NASA Science: Orbits and Kepler’s Laws - NASA explanation of orbital ellipses, orbital periods, and Kepler’s laws of planetary motion.
- NASA Science: Solar System Exploration - NASA overview of planets, moons, small bodies, rings, and the structure of the Solar System.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Continue learning
Continue from the definition into current sky positions, space weather, and the live collective celestial view.
Open Worldwide WatchRelated terms
These related entries help place Perihelion inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
