periselene
/ˌpɛrɪsɪˈlini/
noun
- The point in an orbit around the moon that is closest to the moon's surface.
- The spacecraft reached its periselene and began collecting data on the lunar surface.
- At periselene, the gravitational pull of the moon is strongest on the orbiting satellite.
- Mission control adjusted the probe's path to achieve a closer periselene for better photos.
Antonyms