first contact

noun

1. The first meeting between people of two previously unknown cultures.
2. The first meeting between humans and extraterrestrials.

   “He had piloted the Adastra to its first contact with the civilization of another solar system. His lifework was done and he was wholly prepared to rest.”

   “Tam is a telepath of extraordinary talent, even for a Betazoid. He's a specialist in first contact with new life forms.”

3. The moment, during an eclipse or transit, when the apparent positions of the two bodies first touch.