1. relating to or occurring at perigee, the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is closest to Earth
Usage: astronomy

Examples

• The perigeal moon appeared larger and brighter than usual.
• Scientists studied the perigeal tides caused by the moon’s closest approach.
• The satellite’s perigeal distance was measured at 200 kilometers above Earth.
• Perigeal spring tides occur when the moon is at its closest point to Earth.
• The astronomer calculated the perigeal velocity of the orbiting spacecraft.
• During perigeal phases, the gravitational effects are most pronounced.