In astronomy, the apparent close approach of two celestial bodies as seen from Earth, though they may be far apart in space.
From Latin 'appulsus,' past participle of 'appellere' meaning 'to drive toward.' The term was adopted into English astronomy in the 17th century to describe celestial positioning.
Appulse is one of astronomy's most humbling words—two stars might look like they're touching in the night sky, but one could be impossibly far away, reminding us how perspective completely tricks our eyes in space.
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