Earth at Perihelion on January 3

Earth at Perihelion on January 3

The Earth is at perihelion (closest to the Sun) at 13:00 (1 pm) on January 3.

The Earth’s orbit around the Sun is not quite circular. This elliptical orbit means that in early January the Earth is closest to the Sun (perihelion) and in early July the Earth is furthest from the Sun (aphelion).

Brian Carter, Senior Astronomer at the Carter Observatory says, “that on January 3, the Sun will be only 147,096,600 km from the Earth”.

As the Sun is closer in our Summer, the harmful ultraviolet rays are more intense, so remember to wear a hat and use Sunblock.

The Sun should never be looked at with a telescope or binoculars or even with the naked eye, as blindness could result.

ENDS

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