A graphic illustrating the Earth's orbit around the Sun, highlighting the point of farthest distance (aphelion).
Contrary to common intuition, Earth does not maintain a perfect, equal distance from the Sun throughout the year. Instead, it follows an elliptical orbit. The point in this orbit where Earth is maximally distant from the Sun is known as .
However, being at aphelion does have some minor effects: when earth is farthest from the sun
The timing of aphelion and perihelion very slowly shifts over tens of thousands of years due to a phenomenon called . Around the year 1246 CE, the Northern Hemisphere summer occurred at perihelion, making summers significantly hotter. In about 10,000 years, aphelion will occur in the Northern Hemisphere winter, profoundly altering seasonal patterns.
The seasons are actually caused by the , not its orbital distance. Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – EarthSky A graphic illustrating the Earth's orbit around the
The answer lies in Earth’s (about 23.5 degrees). Seasons are not caused by our distance from the Sun, but by the angle at which sunlight strikes the planet.
The term "Aphelion" is derived from the Greek words apo (away from) and helios (Sun). The point in this orbit where Earth is
Seasons are determined by the of the Earth (23.5 degrees), not by proximity to the Sun.