For those in the Northern Hemisphere, perihelion feels like a trick of nature. How can we be closest to our star when the air is biting cold and the days are short? Tilt, Not Distance
Let’s clear up a few persistent myths. when is earth closest to the sun
| Event | Date (approx) | Distance from Sun | Orbital speed | Solar intensity | |-------|---------------|------------------|---------------|------------------| | | Jan 3–5 | 147.1 million km | 30.3 km/s | +7% vs average | | Aphelion | Jul 4–6 | 152.1 million km | 29.3 km/s | −7% vs average | For those in the Northern Hemisphere, perihelion feels
Perihelion typically occurs about two weeks after the December solstice. Because our calendar year doesn’t perfectly align with the Earth’s orbital path, the exact date and time vary slightly each year. Time and Date Perihelion Date Time (UTC) Distance and Visual Appearance At perihelion, the Earth is approximately 147 million kilometers | Event | Date (approx) | Distance from