Earth at Perihelion (Closest to Sun) on 2nd Jan 2013


On 2nd January 2013 Planet Earth will be at closest point to Sun in its elliptical orbit around Sun at 0.983 AU (14,70,99,586 km or Approx. 147 million km) from Sun. Astronomically this is phenomena is known as “Perihelion”.

Whereas on 5th July 2013 Earth will be at Aphelion at 1.017 AU (15,21,41,034 km or approx 152 Million km) from Sun i.e. it will be at farthest point from Sun.   

Distance not Reason for Season:
     Commonly it is believed that Distance of Earth to Sun decides the season or temperature on earth. However it is not true. Actually axial tilt (approx. 23.5 Degree) of Earth on its axis while revolving around Sun regulates seasons on planet Earth with one of the Hemisphere facing away or towards Sun.

Evidence/Example: It may be noted though Earth is closest to Sun these days its winter in India& most of countries in Northern Hemisphere. Whereas it’s summer in Southern Hemisphere countries.

Also in July when Earth is at farthest point from Sun it’s mostly hot in India. This clearly shows for people to observe Distance of Earth to Sun doesn’t decide the Season but tilt. 



What About Perihelion?  Aphelion?  Earth Closest to Sun on 2nd Jan, 2013: Earth revolves around sun in a elliptical (oval shape) orbit. So at one point of time during its journey around sun it will be at closest point it can get (perihelion) and one point of time during the year it would be at farthest point (aphelion). 

Earth to be closest to Sun tomorrow PTI