The sun’s ascent above Earth’s horizon is observed from the International Space Station, marking the approaching peak of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. As we gear up for longer days and hotter weather, our planet is currently at its farthest point from the sun in its orbit.
Known as the aphelion, this yearly occurrence took place on Thursday at 3:55 p.m. ET, positioning Earth roughly 3 million miles farther away from the sun compared to its closest approach. Despite common misconceptions, this distance does not directly impact the temperature variations that accompany the changing seasons.
The primary driver of seasonal shifts lies in Earth’s tilt, which is angled at about 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes different regions of the globe to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. During July in the Northern Hemisphere, the tilt directs more direct sunlight, leading to increased warmth and longer days characteristic of summer.
While Earth’s orbit is slightly elliptical, with a small difference between its closest and farthest points from the sun, the impact on solar energy reaching the planet is minimal. The angle of Earth’s axis plays a much larger role in shaping seasonal patterns by influencing the distribution of sunlight across the globe.
In cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Phoenix near the 30-degree latitude, the difference in solar energy received between summer and winter is substantial. Moving farther north around 40 degrees, cities like New York, Denver, and Columbus experience an even more significant seasonal swing in solar energy.
Ultimately, the orientation of Earth’s tilt towards the sun, rather than its distance, is the key factor influencing the distinct seasons we experience. The angle at which we face the sun plays a crucial role in defining the characteristics of each season.
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