Interestingly, because Earth is closer to the Sun during perihelion, it moves slightly faster in its elliptical orbit (thanks to Kepler’s laws of planetary motion). This means Northern Hemisphere winters are a few days shorter and milder than Southern Hemisphere winters — a small but measurable effect. | Event | Date (approx.) | Distance from Sun | Hemisphere effect | |----------------|----------------|-------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Perihelion | January 3–4 | ~91.4 million miles | Northern winter / Southern summer | | Aphelion | July 4–5 | ~94.5 million miles | Northern summer / Southern winter | Fun Fact Despite being closer to the Sun in January, Earth receives about 6–7% more solar radiation at perihelion than at aphelion. Yet, the Southern Hemisphere’s oceans and land distribution absorb and release heat differently, which helps moderate the climate.
Here’s a well-prepared explanation: While you might expect the closest approach to happen during a sweltering summer, Earth actually reaches its nearest point to the Sun in the dead of winter for the Northern Hemisphere. This date, known as perihelion , usually falls on January 3rd or 4th . earth closest point sun date
The date when Earth is closest to the Sun is called . This occurs every year in early January , typically on January 3rd or 4th . Interestingly, because Earth is closer to the Sun