What is a perigee?
When an object orbiting the Earth is at the closest point to the Earth in its orbit, this stage is referred to as perigee. By contrast, when the same object is the furthest it can possibly be in in its orbit, it is said to be in “apogee.” This term was first used in reference to the moon, which regularly moves through perigee and apogee as it orbits the Earth, although it can also be applied to the numerous man-made satellites which orbit the Earth. Orbits are elliptical, rather than circular, which explains why satellites can be at varying distances in relation to Earth as they orbit. More generally, astronomers use the term “apsis” to encompass both the closest and furthest points in an orbit, with periapsis being the closest, and apoapsis being the furthest. When talking about things which orbit the Earth specifically, astronomers refer to apogee and perigee, and there are specialized terms for objects which orbit other major celestial bodies as well, such as objects which move arou
