Perihelia: meaning, definitions and examples
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perihelia
[ ˌpɛrɪˈhiliə ]
astronomy
Perihelia refers to the point in the orbit of a celestial body where it is closest to the sun. This term is most commonly used in the context of planetary movements, and it is significant because the gravitational pull of the sun affects the speed and trajectory of planets and other objects in space. The perihelion occurs once during each orbit and plays a crucial role in understanding the seasonal variations experienced on planets. For example, Earth's perihelion occurs around January 3rd when it is closest to the sun, influencing its climate slightly during that period.
Synonyms
closest approach, solar proximity.
Examples of usage
- The Earth reaches perihelion in early January.
- Pluto's perihelia brings it closer to the sun than Neptune.
- The comet's perihelion was observed last week.
Translations
Translations of the word "perihelia" in other languages:
🇵🇹 periélio
🇮🇳 परिहेलिया
🇩🇪 Perihel
🇮🇩 perihelion
🇺🇦 перигелій
🇵🇱 peryhelium
🇯🇵 近日点
🇫🇷 périhélie
🇪🇸 perihelio
🇹🇷 perihel
🇰🇷 근일점
🇸🇦 نقطة الحضيض
🇨🇿 perihel
🇸🇰 perihel
🇨🇳 近日点
🇸🇮 perihel
🇮🇸 períhelíum
🇰🇿 перигелий
🇬🇪 პერიჰელიუმი
🇦🇿 perihelium
🇲🇽 perihelio
Etymology
The term 'perihelion' is derived from the Greek words 'peri', meaning 'near', and 'helios', meaning 'sun'. It first appeared in English usage in the early 18th century, encapsulating the scientific advancements of the time in understanding celestial mechanics and orbits. The concept was crucial for astronomers as they began to mathematically articulate the movement of planets around the sun. In Greek literature, 'helios' often signifies not only the physical sun but also its metaphorical significance in myths and philosophies. Over the years, the term 'perihelion' has evolved in its use, particularly with advancements in astronomical observation and theoretical models that describe the elliptical orbits established by Kepler's laws of planetary motion. As the field of astronomy developed, the understanding of perihelion became vital in calculating various celestial phenomena, including the variable brightness of stars and the orbits of comets, further solidifying its importance in the lexicon of celestial mechanics.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,166, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.