perigee

[/ˈpɛrɪdʒiː/]
nounpl: perigees
perigeu
1. The point in the orbit of the moon or an artificial satellite at which it is nearest to the earth
The satellite reaches its perigee every 90 minutes as it orbits Earth.
O satélite atinge seu perigeu a cada 90 minutos enquanto orbita a Terra.
2. More broadly, the closest point in any elliptical orbit to the celestial body being orbited
At perigee, the moon appears slightly larger in the sky than at apogee.
No perigeu, a lua parece ligeiramente maior no céu do que no apogeu.
This is a technical astronomical term commonly used in both Brazilian and American English scientific contexts. There is no colloquial or cultural variation in usage. The term is essential in space programs, satellite operations, and astronomy education in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
closest pointperiapsis (technical)
Antonyms / Antônimos
apogeeapoapsis

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
perigeu
Standard term used in astronomy and space science contexts
Portugal
perigeu
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, used in scientific contexts

Related Words

apogeeorbitsatelliteellipsecelestial mechanicsastronomy

Related Idioms & Phrases

at perigee - when something reaches its closest or lowest point
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