While the change in distance doesn't cause the seasons, it does have subtle effects:
The month when the Earth is closest to the Sun is . month when earth is closest to the sun
Sunlight is roughly 7% more intense at perihelion than at aphelion, though the tilt of the Earth and the distribution of landmasses (which heat up faster than oceans) usually mask this effect. The Big Picture While the change in distance doesn't cause the
The real reason for winter in the Northern Hemisphere during January is the . Aphelion sunlight is a little weaker than sunlight
Aphelion sunlight is a little weaker than sunlight at other times of the year, but it nevertheless does a good job warming the con... NASA (.gov) Perihelion and Aphelion 2026 - Time and Date Perihelion and Aphelion * Changing Elliptical Orbit. The Earth orbits the Sun in an elliptical path, which means that there is one... Time and Date Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026 - EarthSky Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026 * Read more about Earth farthest from sun below. Image via IStockPhoto. * Ear... EarthSky What is perihelion? Here's why Earth is closer to the sun on January 3 Dec 31, 2025 —