The Earth is closest to the sun in — specifically, early January (usually around January 3–4). This point in Earth's orbit is called perihelion .
The variation in distance happens because Earth's orbit is not a perfect circle, but a slightly lopsided ellipse. Astronomer Johannes Kepler first discovered this elliptical motion, which causes Earth to speed up as it approaches the Sun and slow down as it moves away. Orbital Point Distance (approx.) January 147 million km (91.4 million miles) Aphelion (Farthest) July 152 million km (94.5 million miles) Why Isn't It Hotter in January?
Earth is closest to the Sun in . This point in Earth's orbit is known as perihelion . While the exact date and time shift slightly each year due to the gravitational pull of other planets, it typically occurs around January 3rd . The Science of Earth's Closest Approach