What does the term 'perihelion' refer to?

The term 'perihelion' specifically refers to the point in an orbit where a celestial object, such as a planet or comet, is closest to the Sun. This term stems from the Greek words "peri," meaning close or near, and "helios," meaning sun. During this point in the orbit, the gravitational pull between the object and the Sun is at its strongest, which can affect the speed and trajectory of the object as it travels through its elliptical orbit. Understanding perihelion is important in the study of celestial mechanics and helps explain phenomena such as seasonal variations and the overall dynamics of planets within the solar system.