Earth Closest Point Sun Date -

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.

Kepler’s Second Law of Planetary Motion states that a planet moves faster when it is closer to its star. Consequently, Earth reaches its maximum orbital speed—about 19 miles per second (30.3 kilometers per second)—during perihelion. This extra speed makes the Northern Hemisphere's winter about five days shorter than its summer. earth closest point sun date

The date when Earth is at its closest point to the Sun typically occurs in early January, approximately two weeks after the December Solstice. While many assume that proximity to the Sun dictates our seasons, the timing of perihelion actually occurs during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. What is Perihelion? Interestingly, because Earth is closer to the Sun

During perihelion, the Sun is about to Earth than it is during aphelion (which occurs in July). While many assume that proximity to the Sun

| Feature | Perihelion (Closest) | Aphelion (Farthest) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Early January (2nd–4th) | Early July (3rd–6th) | | Distance | ~91.4 million miles | ~94.5 million miles | | Season (N. Hem.) | Winter | Summer | | Season (S. Hem.) | Summer | Winter | | Orbital Speed | Fastest | Slowest |

Gravitational pulls from the Moon and other planets, particularly Jupiter and Venus, slightly tug on Earth's path. The occurrence of leap years resets the calendar alignment. Perihelion Date Distance vs. Temperature: The Seasonal Myth