anomaly
irregularity / deviation / abnormality / outlier
Noun
pl: anomalies
This term describes a glitch or a deviation that disrupts a predictable pattern. It carries a clinical or analytical tone, often used in scientific, technical, or data-driven contexts to signal that something is out of place or requires investigation. In astronomical contexts, the word takes on a precise mathematical meaning regarding orbital position, shifting from a general sense of irregularity to a specific measurement of angular distance.