aphelia

/ˌæfɪˈliːə, ˌæfɪˈliːə/

Definitions

1. noun

a rare or unusual astronomical event, especially an eclipse of the moon by the earth, or vice versa

“The astronomer spent years studying the phenomenon of aphelia and its impact on lunar cycles.”

2. noun

a point in the orbit of a celestial body at which it is at its greatest or least distance from a particular body

“The aphelia of the planet’s orbit around the sun determines its maximum and minimum temperatures.”

Synonyms

  • eclipse
  • solar eclipse

Antonyms

  • astronomical conjunction
  • solar prominence