Why in the News?

Early on July 5, the Earth reached aphelion, its farthest distance from the sun in our year-long journey around our nearest star.

How far is the Earth from the Sun at aphelion? 

• At aphelion, which occurs around July 4th– 5th each year, the Earth is approximately 152.1 million kilometers (about 94.5 million miles) away from the Sun. 
• This distance is about 3.3% greater than its average distance from the Sun, known as its semi-major axis, which is about 147.1 million kilometers.

Does aphelion affect temperatures on Earth? 

• Aphelion has a slight effect on temperatures on Earth, but its impact is minimal compared to other factors such as axial tilt and atmospheric circulation patterns. 
• Despite being farther from the Sun during aphelion, the Earth’s tilt towards the Sun during the northern hemisphere’s summer results in warmer temperatures for that region. 
• This phenomenon is primarily responsible for the seasons on Earth.

What would happen if there were no aphelion? 

• If Earth’s orbit were perfectly circular, without aphelion or perihelion (the closest point to the Sun), the distance between Earth and the Sun would remain constant throughout the year. 
• This scenario would result in less variation in seasonal temperatures between the northern and southern hemispheres. 
• The distinct seasons that we experience today, which are essential for ecological diversity and agricultural cycles, would be significantly altered.

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