Earth to be closest to Sun today | Explained

PTC Web Desk: The perpetual interplay between Earth and the Sun forms a mesmerising cosmic ballet as our planet orbits around its star. Amidst this cosmic choreography, January 3 marks a significant astronomical event as Earth reaches its closest proximity to the Sun, known as Perihelion Day.

Understanding Perihelion Day

Perihelion Day signifies the moment Earth reaches its nearest point to the Sun within its annual elliptical orbit. This celestial occurrence, more than a fascination for astronomers, holds profound implications for our planet and its environment. Occurring around January 3 each year, Earth draws within approximately 147 million km of the Sun during Perihelion, roughly 3 per cent closer than its average distance.

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Science behind Perihelion

The essence of Perihelion lies in the shape of Earth's orbit, debunking the notion of a perfect circular orbit around the Sun. Johannes Kepler's laws of planetary motion delineate that Earth, like other planets, follows an elliptical path. Consequently, there are phases where our planet is closer or farther from the Sun. Kepler's laws illustrate that planets speed up as they approach the Sun and slow down when they move away.

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Impact on Seasons and Climate

Despite the proximity to the Sun during Perihelion, it does not align with the Northern Hemisphere's hottest months. Instead, Earth's axial tilt governs seasons rather than its distance from the Sun. During the Northern Hemisphere's winter, when Perihelion occurs, this part of the globe tilts away from the Sun, resulting in cooler temperatures despite the heightened solar radiation received.

Consequences on Seasons' Duration

Perihelion's influence extends to altering the duration of seasons. The Northern Hemisphere experiences a relatively shorter winter, nearly five days less compared to summer, owing to Earth's accelerated orbital velocity around the Sun. Consequently, the Southern Hemisphere relishes a slightly elongated summer.

Furthermore, the augmented solar radiation during Perihelion, approximately 7 per cent more intense than at Aphelion, can influence weather patterns and contribute to subtle climatic variations. While these alterations might not be overtly noticeable, they form integral components of the intricate natural mechanisms governing Earth's equilibrium.

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In essence, Perihelion Day, with its cosmic closeness to the Sun, underscores the harmonious interplay between Earth's orbit and the seasons, subtly shaping climatic patterns while perpetuating the majestic dance between our planet and its celestial partner.

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