The nearest point in the Moon's orbit to Earth is called which term?

• A. Apogee
• B. Perigee
• C. Perihelion
• D. Aphelion

Answer: (B)

The nearest point in the Moon’s orbit to Earth is called perigee. Orbits are ellipses, so the distance between the Moon and Earth changes as it moves. The closest point in that ellipse is the perigee, while the farthest point is the apogee. The terms perihelion and aphelion describe orbits around the Sun, not around Earth, so they don’t apply to the Moon’s orbit. Perigee comes from Greek roots meaning “near Earth,” reflecting its position on the inside of the orbit where the Moon is closest to us.