Earth Closest Point Sun Month -

While the exact date and time shift slightly every year due to the nuances of the calendar and the gravitational pull of the moon, perihelion almost always occurs . If We Are Closer, Why is it Cold?

At this point, Earth is approximately (147 million kilometers) away from the sun. In contrast, when Earth reaches its furthest point—known as aphelion in early July—it is about 94.5 million miles (152 million kilometers) away. That is a difference of roughly 3 million miles. When Does it Happen? earth closest point sun month

That point is called , and it occurs during a month that surprises many people in the Northern Hemisphere: January . What is Perihelion? While the exact date and time shift slightly

Even though the tilt of the axis dominates our weather, being at the "closest point" does have measurable effects: In contrast, when Earth reaches its furthest point—known

“Perihelion causes hot global temperatures.” Fact: The 6.9% extra solar energy is offset by the fact that 71% of Earth’s surface is ocean (which absorbs heat slowly) and by the distribution of land/water. Global average temperature is slightly higher near perihelion, but seasonal effects dominate.