During Which Month Is The Earth Closest To The Sun Link [extra Quality]
. While many assume that the planet's proximity to the Sun dictates the seasons, it is actually the Earth's axial tilt that creates winter and summer. What is Perihelion? The word "perihelion" comes from the Greek words (near) and
Conversely, Earth is farthest from the Sun, known as , in early July, where it sits about million kilometers ( million miles) away. Perihelion and Earth's Orbit during which month is the earth closest to the sun link
Because this is a long article, we can dig deeper into the "link" between months and proximity. You might be surprised to learn that this alignment hasn't always been the case—and it won't stay this way forever. The word "perihelion" comes from the Greek words
Seasons are entirely caused by the , not its distance from the Sun. The Earth tilts at an angle of roughly 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane. Seasons are entirely caused by the , not
| Feature | Perihelion | Aphelion | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Closest point to the Sun | Farthest point from the Sun | | Typical Month | Early January | Early July | | Average Distance | ~147.1 million km (91.4 million mi) | ~152.1 million km (94.5 million mi) | | Solar Radiation | ~7% more intense | ~7% less intense |
Authoritative sources for orbital mechanics and solar events. Scientific Definitions Annual Calendars Educational Explainer Perihelion and Aphelion Encyclopedia Britannica
It is the angle and duration of sunlight, which changes due to our axial tilt, that creates our seasons. The energy output from the Sun and the Earth's distance from it contribute to the global climate, but they are not the cause of the seasonal temperature swings.