pericentre

astronomy

Also known as: periapsis

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In astronomy, the pericentre is the point in an elliptical orbit where a celestial body is closest to the center of attraction, such as a star or planet. This point is also referred to as periapsis. The line connecting the pericentre to the farthest point in the orbit (apocentre/apoapsis) is the major axis of the orbit.1

Specific terms are used depending on the central body:
* Perihelion is used when the Sun is the center of attraction.1
* Perigee is used when the Earth is the center.1
* Periastron refers to an orbit around a star.1
* Perijove refers to an orbit around Jupiter.1

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…nearest the focus is the pericentre, or periapsis, and that farthest from it is the apocentre, or apoapsis. Specific terms can be used for individual bodies: if the Sun is the centre, the specific terms perihelion and aphelion are generally used; if the Earth, perigee and apogee. Periastron and apastron…
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…nearest the focus is the pericentre, or periapsis, and that farthest from it is the apocentre, or apoapsis. Specific terms can be used for individual bodies: if the Sun is the centre, the specific terms perihelion and aphelion are generally used; if the Earth, perigee and apogee. Periastron and apastron…
Read More