The closest point to the Sun in an orbit is called which term?

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Multiple Choice

The closest point to the Sun in an orbit is called which term?

In any orbit around the Sun, the distance to the Sun changes as the object moves along the ellipse. The closest approach is called perihelion, from peri- meaning near and helios meaning Sun. At this point the Sun’s gravity is strongest on the orbiting body, so it moves fastest. The farthest point is aphelion. Apogee and perigee refer to orbits around Earth, describing the farthest and nearest points relative to Earth, not the Sun. So the closest point to the Sun is perihelion.

In any orbit around the Sun, the distance to the Sun changes as the object moves along the ellipse. The closest approach is called perihelion, from peri- meaning near and helios meaning Sun. At this point the Sun’s gravity is strongest on the orbiting body, so it moves fastest. The farthest point is aphelion. Apogee and perigee refer to orbits around Earth, describing the farthest and nearest points relative to Earth, not the Sun. So the closest point to the Sun is perihelion.

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