For 2026, perihelion occurs on at roughly 13:00 UTC.
This specific point in Earth’s orbit is known as . When is Perihelion in 2026?
Though it doesn't dictate the seasons, being closer to the sun has a few subtle but important effects on our planet:
Conversely, in July—when we’re farthest from the Sun—the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun. The sunlight arrives more directly (higher angle), creating the intense, concentrated heat we call summer. when is earth closest to the sun
To understand why perihelion happens, we must look at the shape of Earth's path through space. Johannes Kepler, a 17th-century astronomer, discovered that planets do not travel in perfect circles. Instead, they travel in , which are elongated or oval-shaped paths. Orbital Eccentricity
: The point where Earth is farthest from the Sun. The prefix apo means "away from." When Does Perihelion Occur?
Because Earth is moving faster during the Northern Hemisphere's winter (at perihelion), winter is the shortest season of the year. Conversely, the slower speed at aphelion makes Northern Hemisphere summer the longest season, lasting about two to three days longer than winter. For 2026, perihelion occurs on at roughly 13:00 UTC
While the change in distance does not cause the seasons, it does mildly influence their intensity.
It’s a logical guess. But scientifically, it’s completely backwards.
A common point of confusion is why the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter in January if the Earth is physically closest to the sun. Distance does not drive seasons Though it doesn't dictate the seasons, being closer
Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun in January, which is why they experience their peak summer during perihelion. Does Perihelion Affect the Weather at All?
If you’re like most people, you probably assume Earth is closest to the Sun during the warm, balmy days of summer. After all, it makes intuitive sense: closer to the fire means more heat. But that intuition is wrong—and the truth reveals a fascinating quirk of our planet’s orbit.
The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, causing shorter days and winter weather. Simultaneously, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, experiencing the peak of summer.
This is the crucial piece of the puzzle. Seasons are not caused by our distance from the sun. They are caused by (about 23.5 degrees).