When Is Earth Closest To — The Sun

During perihelion, Earth receives about 6.9% more solar energy than at its farthest point, aphelion (which occurs around early July). This variation in distance and solar energy has significant implications for our climate, seasons, and the overall functioning of our planet.

Earth does not travel around the Sun in a perfect circle. Instead, our planetary path is an ellipse—an oval-shaped orbit. when is earth closest to the sun

So, when is Earth closest to the Sun? The answer is early January, a fact that beautifully illustrates the difference between the Earth's orbit (elliptical) and the cause of our seasons (axial tilt). This annual event, called perihelion, is a subtle but powerful reminder of the elegant and precise mechanics of our solar system, taking us slightly closer to our star as we race through the cold of winter. During perihelion, Earth receives about 6

The specific timing of perihelion varies slightly from year to year . For 2026, it occurs on . Time (UTC) Approximate Distance 2026 Jan 3 17:15 147.1 million km (91.4 million miles) 147.1 million km (91.4 million miles) 147.1 million km (91.4 million miles) 147.1 million km (91.4 million miles) Instead, our planetary path is an ellipse—an oval-shaped

While orbital distance does not cause the seasons, perihelion still exerts a subtle influence on our planet's climate and motion. 1. Solar Intensity