Happy Perihelion Day!

Today, the Earth is closest to the Sun – a phenomenon that happens at the start of every year. Or the beginning of every revolution.

Key facts!

• As the Earth travels in an elliptical orbit around the sun, its distance from the star varies throughout the year.
• Perihelion is a term that denotes ‘closest to the sun’.
• Here, the Earth will be 147,091,144 kilometres away from the sun.
• This year, the Earth will reach perihelion on 4 January.
• Half a year later the Earth will reach aphelion – its most distant point from the sun.
• Then, it will be 152,095,295 kilometres away from the sun.

Effects of perihelion

• It is interesting to note that although the Earth is the closest to Sun at this time, it doesn’t feel warmer at perihelion.
• That’s because Earth’s orbit is not ‘extremely’ elliptical but is almost circular.
• Moreover, the seasonal changes on Earth are caused by the tilt of its axis.
• However, the Earth’s close approach to the Sun causes it to travel slightly faster.
• Which means a shorter winter in the northern hemisphere, and a shorter summer in the Southern hemisphere.

Neha from ‘Door Step Learning” explains the ideas of Perihelion and Aphelion to us.

Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle, and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories, and kids’ contributions. Check out daily JokesPoke, Tongue Twisters, Word of the Day, and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.

ME – My Expressions at Curious Times is your place to get your work published and build your quality digital footprint. And it is a good way to share your talent and skills with your friends, family, school, teachers, and the world. Thus, as you will step into higher educational institutes your published content will showcase your strength.

Events, Quizzes, and Competitions bring students from over 5,000 schools globally to participate in the 21st-Century themes. Here schools and students win certificates, prizes, and recognition through these global events.

Sign-up for your school for FREE!

Communicate with us: via WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

  0  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

To post your comment Login/Signup