"So," Leo mused, finishing the last of his popsicle, "next time I'm freezing in January, I can tell everyone we're actually getting closer to the fire?"
Earth is about 3 million miles closer to the sun in January than it is at its farthest point ( aphelion ) in July. Why Isn't It Hot Everywhere?
Maya chuckled and sat down on the step. "That’s the logic most people use, Leo. But it’s actually completely wrong."
Earth is closest to the sun in early January (perihelion), but seasons are caused by Earth’s axial tilt, not its distance from the sun. So even at our closest point, the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter because it’s tilted away from the sun’s direct rays.