periselene

9.9

A point in a satellite's orbit that is nearest the Moon

noun
/ˌpɛrəˈsɛliːn/

Specialized

: periselene

At periselene, the probe was just 100 kilometers above the Moon's surface.

Examples

The spacecraft reached periselene before beginning its descent toward the lunar surface.
The periselene is crucial for determining the satellite's trajectory.
Adjustments to the satellite's orbit affected the altitude at its next periselene.
What is the periselene of the satellite's orbit?
At periselene, the probe was just 100 kilometers above the Moon's surface.
Adjustments to the satellite's orbit affected the altitude at its next periselene.
The spacecraft reached periselene before beginning its descent toward the lunar surface.

Synonyms

perilune

vsperiselene

Specialized

9.9

The point in a path around the Moon where a spacecraft is closest to the surface

is used for satellites rather than only for spacecraft

periapsis

vsperiselene

Specialized

9.9

The point in an object's orbit when it is closest to the body it goes around

is specific to the Moon not any central body

point of periapsis

vsperiselene

Specialized

9.9

A place in an orbit where an object is closest to the planet or star it goes around

is narrower naming that point only around the Moon

Antonyms

aposelene

Specialized

9.9

The point in an orbit around the moon that is farthest from the moon's center

Surface Forms

periselene singular

periselene plural

Morphology

periselene = Selene (semi-transparent) = peri + selene

Formally a regular combination of the Greek prefix 'peri-' and 'Selene', but both elements are technical/classical and uncommon for B1 learners, so the morphological relation may not be readily inferable.

Etymology

Periselene comes from the Greek parts peri- 'near' and Selene 'Moon'. Think of peri- like in perimeter or peripheral, and Selene as the Moon, so periselene is the point in an orbit that is nearest to the Moon.