Earth’s closest approach to the Sun: Perihelion Day on January 4

Mark your calendars for January 4, 2025, as Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun, a phenomenon known as Perihelion Day. Derived from the Greek words peri (near) and helios (sun), this annual celestial event occurs between January 2 and 4.

At perihelion, Earth is about 3% closer to the Sun compared to its farthest point, or aphelion, which occurs in early July. Despite this proximity, the Sun’s apparent size changes so slightly that it remains nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.

In 2025, perihelion will occur at 8:28 EST, as confirmed by timeanddate.com. The event coincides with winter in the Northern Hemisphere due to Earth’s axial tilt, not its distance from the Sun. This tilt means the region is angled away from the Sun, resulting in cooler temperatures despite the slight increase in solar radiation.

Earth’s elliptical orbit, shaped by gravitational influences from the Moon and other planets, contributes to this annual phenomenon. Over a 100,000-year cycle, Earth’s orbit shifts between being nearly circular and more elliptical.

While perihelion doesn’t bring noticeable temperature changes, it serves as a fascinating reminder of our planet’s dynamic relationship with the Sun.

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