Perihelia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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perihelia
[ˌpɛrɪˈhiliə ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Astronomy
- Every planet has a point in its orbit called perihelion where it gets nearest to the Sun, making that part of its journey the warmest.
- For Earth, perihelion occurs around January 3rd each year, when it's about 91.4 million miles from the Sun.
- The distance at perihelion varies between planets; for example, Mercury is much closer to the Sun than Earth at its perihelion.
Climate Science
- Changes in Earth's distance from the Sun at perihelion and aphelion (farthest point) can influence climate patterns over long periods.
- Some scientists study perihelion to understand its effects on seasonal variations and climate changes in Earth’s history.
- The difference in solar energy received at perihelion compared to aphelion is vital in studying Earth's energy budget.
Cultural References
- In literature and music, perihelion is often used metaphorically to describe closeness or intensity, likening emotional highs to astronomical events.
- Artworks depicting celestial events sometimes feature perihelion as a backdrop, illustrating the connection between beauty and science.
- Science fiction authors frequently allude to perihelion implying a critical moment in their narratives when characters encounter extreme conditions.
Origin of 'perihelia'
Main points about word origin
- The word derives from the Greek 'peri,' meaning 'near' or 'around,' and 'helios,' meaning 'sun.'
- The term was first used in the late 17th century as astronomers began to accurately describe planetary movements.
- Understanding the etymology of perihelia helps connect its meaning to the relationships planets have with the sun.
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.