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.
It is the Sun-specific form of periapsis.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.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
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The story behind Perihelion
Kepler’s laws established that planets move fastest near perihelion.
Perihelion: 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.
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.
Perihelion at work: an example
Earth reaches perihelion during Northern Hemisphere winter, showing distance does not cause the seasons.
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.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
See where an orbit nears the Sun
Perihelion in a book is one thing; Perihelion 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.
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More in Astronomy & Skywatching
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- Bond Albedo
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- Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
- Mean Anomaly
Common questions
What is Perihelion?
Perihelion is the point where a heliocentric orbiting body is nearest the Sun.
How is Perihelion used in an almanac?
Use a current ephemeris for the exact time and distance.
What should I avoid when interpreting Perihelion?
Perihelion does not mean the Sun is overhead or locally hottest.
