noun
- the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the earth
Usage: astronomy
Examples
- The moon appears largest when it reaches perigee.
- At perigee, the satellite is only 200 miles above Earth’s surface.
- The spacecraft will fire its engines at perigee to adjust its orbit.
- Tidal forces are strongest when the moon is at perigee.
- The distance from Earth to the moon at perigee is about 356,500 kilometers.
- Scientists calculated that the asteroid would reach perigee next Tuesday.