What is the term for the nearest point to Earth in the orbit of a heavenly body?

The term used to describe the nearest point to Earth in the orbit of a heavenly body is "perigee." In astronomy, perigee specifically refers to the closest approach of an orbiting body, such as the Moon or a satellite, to our planet. This term is derived from Greek roots, where "peri-" means near, and "-gee" refers to Earth.

Other options presented do not relate to this concept. "Petrous" pertains to a structure of the skull or rock and does not connect to astronomy. "Picaresque" refers to a style of fiction that focuses on the adventures of a roguish hero, and "peroration" is the concluding part of a speech. Thus, "perigee" is distinctly and accurately defined as the nearest point in an orbit to Earth, making it the correct answer.