Question

Perihelion is on

• A. 4 July
• B. 21 March
• C. 3 January
• D. 23 September

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 3 January

Understanding Perihelion

• Perihelion is the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is closest to the Sun. The term comes from the Greek words 'peri' (meaning near) and 'helios' (meaning Sun).

• For Earth, perihelion occurs around January 3rd each year. At this point, the Earth is approximately 147.09 million kilometers (91.4 million miles) from the Sun.

• The Earth's orbit around the Sun is not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse. This elliptical path causes the distance between the Earth and the Sun to vary throughout the year.

• During perihelion, the Earth receives slightly more solar radiation (about 7% more) than during aphelion (when it is farthest).

Contrast with Aphelion

• The opposite of perihelion is Aphelion, which is the point in the Earth's orbit when it is farthest from the Sun.

• Aphelion typically occurs around July 4th each year. At aphelion, the Earth is approximately 152.10 million kilometers (94.5 million miles) from the Sun.