During perihelion, the average distance from the Earth to the Sun is about 91.5 million miles (147 million kilometers). For comparison, the average distance from the Earth to the Sun throughout the year is about 93 million miles (149.6 million kilometers). This means that during perihelion, we are about 1.6 million miles (2.5 million kilometers) closer to the Sun than our average distance.
The Earth's orbit around the Sun is not a perfect circle, but an ellipse. This means that the distance between our planet and the Sun varies throughout the year. But when exactly are we closest to the Sun?
Typically, perihelion occurs about two weeks after the . While the exact date shifts slightly due to the quirks of our calendar and the gravitational pull of other planets, it consistently falls between January 2nd and 5th. The "Winter" Paradox: Why Isn't It Hotter? when are we closest to the sun
| Event | Date | Distance | Hemisphere Impact | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (Closest) | ~January 3–4 | ~91.4 million miles | Northern Winter / Southern Summer | | Equinox | ~March 20 | Varies | Spring (North) / Fall (South) | | Aphelion (Farthest) | ~July 4 | ~94.5 million miles | Northern Summer / Southern Winter | | Equinox | ~Sept 22 | Varies | Fall (North) / Spring (South) |
Perihelion has some interesting effects on our planet. For example: During perihelion, the average distance from the Earth
Earth does not orbit the Sun in a perfect circle. It orbits in an (an oval shape).
Yes, but not the way you’d expect.
“We’re closest to the sun in early January. Seasons come from Earth’s tilt, not the distance. That’s why it’s cold outside when we’re closest—the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun’s direct rays.”