Summer Heat and Earth’s Distance from the Sun
WRAL • • science
Key Points:
- Despite recent record-breaking temperatures reaching 103º, Earth is actually moving farther from the Sun, currently about 94.4 million miles away and heading toward aphelion on July 6, 2026, its most distant orbital point.
- The difference between Earth's closest (perihelion) and farthest (aphelion) distances from the Sun is about 3.3%, which slightly affects solar energy but does not cause the seasons.
- Seasons result from Earth's 23.4-degree axial tilt, which causes the Northern Hemisphere to receive more direct sunlight and longer daylight hours during summer, leading to higher temperatures despite the increased distance from the Sun.
- The recent heat in North Carolina and other areas during summer illustrates that seasonal temperature changes are driven by Earth's tilt and sunlight angle rather than its proximity to the Sun.