When a planet is at its point to the Sun, it is called perihelion (from the Greek words peri , meaning "near," and helios , meaning "Sun"). Conversely, the point at which it is farthest from the Sun is called aphelion .
To fully appreciate the January 3rd perihelion, it's helpful to understand its counterpart. In early July, Earth reaches its farthest point from the Sun, known as the aphelion. This occurs approximately two weeks after the June solstice. At this point, Earth is about from the Sun. during which month is the earth closest to the sun link
The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, receiving less direct sunlight, resulting in winter. When a planet is at its point to
This phenomenon surprises many people living in the Northern Hemisphere, who associate January with the depths of winter. However, Earth's distance from the Sun does not dictate our seasons. Instead, this orbital milestone is governed by the shape of our orbit and the physics of the solar system. The Mechanics of Perihelion In early July, Earth reaches its farthest point
Perihelion can slightly intensify seasons. Since it occurs during winter in the North, it can make Northern winters slightly milder (because we are closer to the sun). Conversely, it makes Southern summers slightly hotter .