What's the difference between periastron and perihelion?

Periastron


Definition:

  • (n.) That point, in the real or apparent orbit of one star revolving around another, at which the former is nearest to the latter.

Example Sentences:

Perihelion


Definition:

  • (n.) Alt. of Perihelium

Example Sentences:

  • (1) It then plunges into the Sun's glare as it tracks towards perihelion, where it sweeps only 1,165,000 km above the Sun's surface on 28 November.
  • (2) Recall, too, that it was the then inexplicable Michelson-Morley experiment which encouraged the spread of Einstein's early ideas, and the baffling perihelion precession of Mercury which lent support to his general theory.
  • (3) After perihelion, and assuming enough of it has survived its scorching journey, ISON then reappears, tail first and moving northwards, to climb away from the Sun in both our morning and evening twilight.

Words possibly related to "periastron"