Do you know that the Earth is about 3 million miles nearer to the solar in winter than in summer time?
This yr (2026), Earth is closest to the Solar on Saturday, third January. This particular level within the Earth’s orbit is known as perihelion.
The purpose in Earth’s orbit at which the Solar is farthest from Earth is known as aphelion.
So why is January so chilly?
In January, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Solar, which implies daylight hits the bottom at a shallower angle than when the Earth is tilted in direction of the Solar. The shallow angle signifies that the solar’s warmth is unfold out because it travels by way of the environment, making the climate colder.
The Southern Hemisphere is tilted in direction of the Solar in January, which is why it experiences summer time throughout perihelion within the Northern Hemisphere.
Enjoyable Reality: The Earth strikes sooner when it is closest to the Solar (due to gravity), so winter within the Northern Hemisphere is about 5 days shorter than summer time!
Examine Kepler’s Second Legislation to be taught extra about this!
Final Up to date on January 2, 2026 by Emma Vanstone
