Why Is Earth So Hot When It’s at Its Farthest Point from the Sun? | CNN Explores the Science

The peak of summer is around the corner for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. As we gear up for warmer days, Earth is actually at its farthest point from the sun, a moment known as aphelion.

This year, aphelion occurred on July 6 at 3:55 p.m. ET. Earth was about 3 million miles farther from the sun than during its closest approach, called perihelion, which happens around early January.

It might seem strange that we’re experiencing heat while being so far away from the sun. Many people assume that the distance from the sun determines seasonal temperatures, but that’s not the case.

The real factor here is Earth’s tilt. Our planet spins at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. Because of this tilt, different regions get varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. In July, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, leading to longer days and more intense sunlight. This is what creates the summer heat.

In fact, Earth’s orbit is slightly elliptical, but its shape plays a minor role. The difference in distance from the sun isn’t as significant as you might think. Currently, Earth is around 3.1 million miles farther from the sun than it is in January. This is only about a 3.3% difference from the average distance of 93 million miles.

Even though sunlight spreads out as it travels, this small variation translates to only a 7% drop in solar energy reaching Earth—much less impactful than our planet’s tilt.

To illustrate, let’s look at some examples of solar energy variations across different cities. In places like Houston, New Orleans, and Phoenix, the solar energy received in summer is more than double that of winter. As you move north, the difference becomes even more pronounced. In cities like New York and Denver, the solar energy jumps from about 145 watts per square meter in winter to 430 in summer, nearly a 300% increase.

This demonstrates that while Earth is indeed farther from the sun right now, it’s the tilt that greatly influences our seasonal patterns. In the end, summer’s warmth isn’t about the distance from the sun but rather about how we are angled toward it.

According to NASA, understanding these patterns is crucial, especially as climate change impacts global temperatures. As the planet warms, the effects of this tilt could become even more significant. People are also responding to climate changes via social media, sparking discussions around sustainable practices and awareness of seasonal shifts. This reflects a growing appreciation for the science behind our changing climate.

For more detailed information, you can check out [NASA’s Earth Observatory](https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/) which provides insights into Earth’s climate and its intricacies.

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