Earth to be illuminated by year’s largest Sun on January 3
Mehr News Agency••science
Key Points:
- On January 3, 2026, Earth will reach perihelion, its closest point to the Sun, at a distance of approximately 147 million kilometers, causing the Sun to appear slightly larger in diameter.
- The Sun's diameter at perihelion will measure 32 minutes and 35 seconds of arc, making it appear larger compared to its size in July when Earth is farthest from the Sun.
- The difference in the Sun’s apparent size between January and July is most noticeable in professional photographs placed side by side.
- Astronomers caution against observing or photographing the Sun without special solar filters due to the risk of eye burns.
- While January is not ideal for solar observation, new formations on the Sun
