periastron

American  

[per-ee-as-truhn, -tron] / ˌpɛr iˈæs trən, -trɒn /

noun

Astronomy.

periastra plural

1. the point at which the stars of a binary system are closest (opposed to apastron).

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periastron British  

/ ˌpɛrɪˈæstrɒn /

noun

1. astronomy the point in the orbit of a body around a star when it is nearest to the star, esp applied to double-star systems

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periastron Scientific  

/ pĕr′ē-ăs′trən,-trŏn /

periastra plural

1. The point at which an object, such as a planet or comet, is closest to the center of mass of the star it is orbiting.

2. Compare apastron

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• periastral
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• periastra
  plural

Etymology

Origin of periastron

1850–55; < peri- + Greek ástron star; modeled on perihelion

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

periastron

As the stars move closer, their orbital motion changes more rapidly, including the position of their closest approach, known as periastron.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 19, 2026

These orbs complete a revolution in 180 years, and when in apastron are seventeen times more remote from each other than when at periastron.

From The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost' by Orchard, Thomas Nathaniel

All went well, there were no incidents, no vessels disturbed him; though had the two components of the binary been at periastron, it would have simplified the work with the position micrometer.

From Next Door, Next World by Locke, Robert Donald

At least, the periastron effects; there was another angle to it.

From Oomphel in the Sky by Piper, H. Beam

The last periastron was ninety years ago, and we've only been here for sixty-odd; all we have is verbal accounts from memory from the natives, probably garbled and exaggerated.

From Oomphel in the Sky by Piper, H. Beam